Unidentified aircraft belly landing in Campeche, Mexico

No fatalities • El Sacrificio, Mexico • Landing (descent or approach)

An unidentified twin-engine aircraft attempted an emergency belly landing in a swampy region of El Sacrificio, leaving no trace of its occupants or cargo.

What happened

During a flight operating within Mexico, a twin-engine aircraft was involved in an incident in the El Sacrificio region of the State of Campeche. The aircraft, which was reportedly engaged in a smuggling operation, was carrying three individuals at the time of the event. The pilot attempted to perform a belly landing within a swampy area.

Local authorities discovered the wreckage several hours after the event. Upon inspection of the crash site, investigators found no evidence of the passengers or the cargo that was being transported.

Findings

Investigations conducted by both Mexican and United States authorities revealed significant discrepancies regarding the aircraft's identity. While the registration N633D was associated with the wreckage, official records indicate that this registration belongs to a Piper PA-31 with MSN 31-7852098, an aircraft that was not involved in this accident. Consequently, officials have confirmed that the registration used on the aircraft was fraudulent.

Probable cause

The aircraft was operating under a false registration to conceal its identity during a smuggling flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-11-29 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near El Sacrificio, Mexico?

An unidentified twin-engine aircraft attempted an emergency belly landing in a swampy region of El Sacrificio, leaving no trace of its occupants or cargo.

Were there any fatalities in the 2016-11-29 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-11-29 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N633D, operated by Private United States of America, at El Sacrificio, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was operating under a false registration to conceal its identity during a smuggling flight.

Loading the flight search…