3 fatalities

Fatal aircraft crash following takeoff from Tijuana (N76VK)

Tijuana-General Abelardo L. Rodríguez, MexicoTakeoff (climb)

On October 31, 2011, a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (registration N76VK) operated by Francisco Zermeño was involved in an aviation accident near Tijuana-General Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Mexico during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent during the initial climb phase following takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a garage near Tijuana-General Abelardo L. Rodríguez Airport shortly after takeoff, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure from runway 09 at Tijuana-General Abelardo L. Rodríguez Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft lost stability and struck a garage building, which subsequently ignited into a large fire.

As a result of the impact and the resulting fire, there were 3 fatalities recorded. The victims included both occupants of the aircraft and one individual who was inside a vehicle at the time of the crash.

Findings

No specific technical cause for the loss of control has been officially released, though the aircraft's descent became uncontrolled immediately after the takeoff sequence.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent during the initial climb phase following takeoff.