On September 6, 2001, a Saab 340 (registration XA-ACK) operated by AeroLitoral was involved in an aviation accident near Tijuana-General Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Mexico during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure in flight for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During descent to Tijuana Airport, both engines failed. The crew made an emergency belly landing in an open field 24 km from the airport. All 32 occupants evacuated uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Incident Overview
While descending to General Abelardo L. Rodríguez Airport in Tijuana under good weather conditions, the flight crew notified air traffic control that both engines had failed. The captain initiated an emergency landing in an open field within the Las Palmas Valley, approximately 24 kilometers from the airport.
Emergency Landing
The aircraft touched down on its belly and slid for several dozen meters before coming to a stop. All 32 persons on board evacuated the aircraft without injury.
Aircraft Damage
The airframe sustained substantial damage and was deemed beyond economical repair.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a double engine failure in flight, the origin of which could not be identified.