5 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Crash on Mt Tzontehuitz (ETL-1251)

San Cristóbal de Las Casas, MexicoFlight

On March 18, 1999, a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 (registration ETL-1251) operated by Mexican Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Mexicana was involved in an aviation accident near San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Mexico in flight. 5 people were killed. 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 reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the slope of Mt Tzontehuitz about 15 minutes after departing Terán AFB in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, killing all five occupants on board.

Departure and Flight Profile A twin-engine aircraft took off from Terán Air Force Base in Tuxtla Gutiérrez at 0915 local time on a liaison flight. The aircraft was carrying three passengers and two pilots, for a total of five occupants. No registration, operator, or specific aircraft type was provided in the source material. ## Impact and Casualties Approximately 15 minutes after departure, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Tzontehuitz, located about 12 kilometers northeast of San Cristóbal de Las Casas. All five people on board were killed in the accident. The source does not specify a probable cause or additional details regarding the circumstances of the impact.