Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft involved was a twin-engine turboprop Aero Commander 690, serial number 11003, registered as N302WB. It was owned by QEAT-4 LLC of Naples, Florida, and operated by MGS Corporation of Laredo, Texas. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries.
Accident Circumstances
On September 16, 2003, at 1430 central daylight time, the airplane was attempting a takeoff from an airstrip near Soto La Marina in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed for the business flight, which had Laredo, Texas as its intended destination. During the takeoff attempt, the aircraft impacted trees and terrain, resulting in its destruction.
Prior Maintenance
Local authorities reported that the airplane had previously sustained damage to its nose landing gear. The owner replaced the nose landing gear before the attempted departure from the airstrip.