What happened
An unauthorized flight originating from Colombia entered Mexican airspace without authorization. During the flight, the twin-engine airplane, which was operating under the fraudulent registration N325FA, was monitored by the Mexican Air Force using two Embraer ERJ-145 and three UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
As the aircraft approached the region of La Libertad, Campeche, the crew performed a landing in a prairie area. During the landing sequence, the aircraft's landing gear failed, causing the plane to slide several dozen meters across the terrain. During this slide, the aircraft struck an individual on the ground. Following the impact, all occupants of the aircraft and the individuals intended to receive the cargo fled the area prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
Upon inspection of the wreckage, authorities discovered 460 kg of cocaine inside the cabin. The incident resulted in one fatality involving the person struck by the propeller.
Findings
Investigations into the incident indicate that the aircraft was engaged in a contraband transport operation using a falsified registration to evade detection.