On January 17, 2013, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration XB-EZY) operated by Habilitaciones Turisticas SA - HATUSA was involved in an aviation accident near Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico during takeoff. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: One engine failed after takeoff due to a fuel pump malfunction. The crew elected to return but the aircraft stalled due to insufficient speed. Contributing factors: poor engine maintenance and aircraft weight above allowable maximum takeoff weight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
After takeoff from runway 32, the crew declared a return. The aircraft lost height, crashed in a field, and burst into flames. All eight occupants were killed. Probable cause: engine failure due to fuel pump malfunction, stall from low speed, poor maintenance, and overweight.
Accident Sequence
At 1339 local time, the crew received clearance for takeoff from runway 32 at Tuxtla Gutierrez-Angel Albino Corzo Airport. During the initial climb, after being cleared to climb to 12,500 feet, the crew informed air traffic control that they were returning to the airport. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft began to lose altitude and crashed in a field. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all eight occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure after takeoff due to a fuel pump malfunction. The crew elected to return, but the aircraft stalled because it was not maintaining sufficient speed. Contributing factors included poor engine maintenance and the fact that the crew initiated the flight while the aircraft's weight exceeded the allowable maximum takeoff weight.