11 fatalities

1991-02-10: Rockwell Sabreliner 60 (XA-RNR) — TVA - Travel Air — Chihuahua, Mexico

Chihuahua, MexicoFlight

On February 10, 1991, a Rockwell Sabreliner 60 (registration XA-RNR) operated by TVA - Travel Air was involved in an aviation accident near Chihuahua, Mexico in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Impact against mountainous terrain due to lack of application by the crew of the approach and entry procedures to runway 36R, approved and published in the aeronautical information publications manual (AIP), and failure to comply with the tower instructions… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781212239Data APIEditorial standards

A charter flight from Cuernavaca to Chihuahua struck a mountain south of Chihuahua Airport during descent, killing all 11 on board. The crew failed to follow published approach procedures and tower instructions.

Accident

A charter flight operating from Cuernavaca to Chihuahua with an intermediate stop in Torreón was completing its journey when it crashed into a mountain. The aircraft was carrying eight passengers and a crew of three. After passing the Delicias VOR at an altitude of 10,000 feet, the crew initiated a descent but did not adhere to the published procedures. While descending through 7,000 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located 42 kilometers south of Chihuahua Airport. The impact totally destroyed the aircraft, and all 11 occupants were killed.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The inquiry focused on the actions of the crew during the approach phase. It was found that the crew did not follow the established approach and entry procedures for runway 36R, which are approved and published in the Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) manual. Additionally, the crew failed to comply with instructions from the tower by not maintaining the minimum safe altitude required during the descent.

Probable Cause

Impact against mountainous terrain due to lack of application by the crew of the approach and entry procedures to runway 36R, approved and published in the aeronautical information publications manual (AIP), and failure to comply with the tower instructions by not maintaining the minimum safe altitude required during the descent.