Aircraft impact on Mount La Paila during training flight

5 fatalities • Mt La Paila, Mexico • Flight

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during a training mission near Santa Lucía Air Force Base, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a local training mission, a four-engine aircraft departed from Santa Lucía Air Force Base. While the flight was underway, the aircraft entered a cloud layer, which obscured visibility. During this phase of the flight, the plane collided with the slope of Mt La Paila, a peak reaching an elevation of 2,865 metres. The impact occurred approximately 57 km northeast of the departure airfield.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating in instrument meteorological conditions (clouds) at the time of the accident.
  • The collision involved the terrain of Mt La Paila.
  • The accident resulted in five fatalities among the crew members on board.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying through clouds during a training flight.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-09-17 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Mt La Paila, Mexico?

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during a training mission near Santa Lucía Air Force Base, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1999-09-17 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-09-17 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 3610, operated by Mexican Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Mexicana, at Mt La Paila, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying through clouds during a training flight.

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