Aircraft impact short of runway at Ciudad Acuña-El Bonito Airport

No fatalities • Ciudad Acuña-El Bonito, Mexico • Landing (descent or approach)

A light aircraft struck the ground short of the runway during a visual approach at Ciudad Acuña-El Bonito Airport, resulting in no fatalities but significant damage to the plane.

What happened

During a flight characterized by favorable weather conditions, the pilot attempted a visual flight rules (VFR) approach to runway 28 at Ciudad Acuña-El Bonito Airport. At the time of the approach, visibility was reported at 9 km with an outside air temperature of +30° C.

As the aircraft was on short final, it struck the ground approximately five meters before reaching the runway threshold. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce and roll for several dozen meters before veering toward the left side of the runway. The sequence ended when the plane came to a stop within a nearby wooded area. While the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, all six occupants were able to evacuate the wreckage without injury.

Findings

Investigations into the incident indicate that the primary factor was a failure to maintain sufficient altitude during the final stages of the approach, leading to the ground impact before the runway could be reached.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to recognize that the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude during the short final phase of the approach.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-04-24 Pilatus PC-12 accident near Ciudad Acuña-El Bonito, Mexico?

A light aircraft struck the ground short of the runway during a visual approach at Ciudad Acuña-El Bonito Airport, resulting in no fatalities but significant damage to the plane.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-04-24 Pilatus PC-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-04-24 involved a Pilatus PC-12, registration XA-BLU, operated by Servicios Aéreos Corporativos, at Ciudad Acuña-El Bonito, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to recognize that the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude during the short final phase of the approach.

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