Aircraft impact near Monterrey-Del Norte Airport

3 fatalities • Monterrey-Del Norte, Mexico • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Monterrey, Mexico, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board during an approach in poor weather.

What happened

During an approach to Monterrey-Del Norte Airport, the flight crew was instructed to descend to an altitude of 5,000 feet. At the time of the incident, the area was experiencing adverse weather conditions, characterized by fog and rainfall that significantly reduced visibility.

While the descent was underway, the aircraft continued to descend below the assigned 5,000-foot altitude. This resulted in the aircraft striking the slope of Mt Cerro de Las Mitras, situated approximately 22 km from the destination airport. The impact caused the total destruction of the plane. There were three fatalities among the occupants of the flight.

Findings

Preliminary details indicate that the unauthorized descent below the assigned altitude was the primary factor leading to the collision with the terrain.

Probable cause

The crew descended below the cleared altitude during an approach in low-visibility conditions, leading to controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-05-16 Rockwell Sabreliner 40 accident near Monterrey-Del Norte, Mexico?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Monterrey, Mexico, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board during an approach in poor weather.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-05-16 Rockwell Sabreliner 40 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-05-16 involved a Rockwell Sabreliner 40, registration XA-TFC, operated by Jett Paquetería, at Monterrey-Del Norte, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?