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2 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Crash Near Magdalena de Kino After Engine Fire (N3542X)

Magdalena de Kino, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On September 30, 1980, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N3542X) operated by Air Bahia was involved in an aviation accident near Magdalena de Kino, Mexico during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine fire in flight for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed and burned near Magdalena de Kino Airport after the pilot reported an engine fire during a taxi flight from Guaymas to Tucson. Both occupants, including American guitarist Norman Douglas Sholin, were killed.

Incident Overview During a taxi flight from Guaymas to Tucson, the pilot of a twin-engine aircraft contacted air traffic control and reported an engine fire. ATC cleared the aircraft to divert to Magdalena de Kino Airport for an emergency landing. While on final approach, the aircraft went out of control and crashed, bursting into flames. Both occupants were killed in the accident. Among the fatalities was American guitarist Norman Douglas Sholin, aged 29. ## Probable Cause The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an engine fire in flight for unknown reasons. No specific aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date was provided in the source material.

In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Sept 1980 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Magdalena de Kino, Mexico?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed and burned near Magdalena de Kino Airport after the pilot reported an engine fire during a taxi flight from Guaymas to Tucson. Both occupants, including American guitarist Norman Douglas Sholin, were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Sept 1980 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Sept 1980 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N3542X, operated by Air Bahia, at Magdalena de Kino, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine fire in flight for unknown reasons

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