Accident
The aircraft, a twin-engine type, departed Mexico City-Benito Juárez Airport on a liaison flight to Tuxtla Gutiérrez with four people on board. While cruising at an altitude of 18,200 feet in good weather on airway V22, it struck the slope of Orizaba Peak. The wreckage was located at an altitude of 5,547 meters. All four occupants were killed.
Flight Details
The aircraft carried civil registration XC-UTQ. The flight was operating under visual conditions with visibility estimated above 25 km and light mist reported. The minimum safe altitude for airway V22 is 16,000 feet, except for the area of Orizaba Peak where the minimum altitude is fixed at 21,000 feet. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was flying at 18,200 feet, below the required minimum for that area.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain after the crew failed to follow the minimum safe altitude for the area. The investigation noted that light mist may have shrouded Orizaba Peak, but visibility was above 25 km.