Nighttime aircraft crash near Cumuatillo-Pajacuarán Airport

2 fatalities • Cumuatillo-Pajacuarán, Mexico • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed during a night landing attempt at an unlit airfield, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

During a nighttime approach to Cumuatillo-Pajacuarán Airport, the crew attempted to land at a facility that lacked essential infrastructure, including lighting systems and an air traffic control tower. The aircraft approached the runway area from an incorrect orientation, nearly perpendicular to the runway's direction. Upon striking the ground near the runway threshold, the aircraft lost control and continued toward a nearby road, where the airframe broke into multiple fragments.

Findings

Investigations into the wreckage revealed that the two fatalities occurred when the aircraft impacted the terrain. A significant finding at the crash site was the discovery of a large quantity of cocaine among the debris. The primary factor in the accident was the incorrect approach alignment relative to the runway direction during the landing attempt.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground in a near perpendicular orientation to the runway during a night landing attempt at an unlit airfield.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-05-02 Learjet 35 accident near Cumuatillo-Pajacuarán, Mexico?

An aircraft crashed during a night landing attempt at an unlit airfield, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1992-05-02 Learjet 35 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-05-02 involved a Learjet 35, registration PT-OEF, operated by Transamérica Táxi Aéreo, at Cumuatillo-Pajacuarán, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the ground in a near perpendicular orientation to the runway during a night landing attempt at an unlit airfield.

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