What happened
On the night of January 9, 2007, an Ameristar Jet Charter, Inc. cargo flight, operating as flight 878, crashed approximately 18.8 nautical miles east of Guadalajara, Jalisco. The aircraft, a Gates Learjet 24F with registration N444TW, was performing an on-demand cargo operation under instrument flight rules. The flight had departed from Laredo, Texas, earlier that evening with the intention of landing at Don Miguel Hidalgo International Airport (MMGL).
As the aircraft approached the Guadalajara area, air traffic controllers provided instructions for an ILS runway 28 approach. During the descent, the crew engaged in communications with Guadalajara Approach Control to confirm the active runway. The aircraft was cleared to descend through several altitudes, including 12,000 feet and 10,000 feet, and was eventually cleared to 9,000 feet. Radar tracking showed the aircraft descending through 9,200 feet while crossing the GDL VOR 085 degree radial. Shortly thereafter, the plane struck the terrain.
Findings
The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and the first officer. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with the ground.