1954-05-05: Martin PBM Mariner (59143) — United States Navy - USN — Cruillas, Mexico

10 fatalitiesCruillas, MexicoFlight

A training mission involving an aircraft navigating new techniques resulted in a fatal collision with terrain in Tamaulipas.

What happened

During a scheduled training operation departing from Brownsville Airport, the crew was engaged in a mission designed to practice unfamiliar navigation methods. While operating enroute, the aircraft struck a ridge situated within the municipality of Cruillas, located in the state of Tamaulipas.

The impact occurred during the enroute phase of the flight. The accident resulted in the deaths of all ten crew members on board.

Findings

No specific technical findings regarding the mechanical state of the aircraft were provided, but the primary factor in the accident was the collision with terrain while performing navigation training maneuvers.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a ridge during a mission focused on practicing new navigation techniques.