What happened
During a descent toward Uruapan-General Ignacio López Rayón Airport, the flight crew encountered challenging environmental conditions characterized by nighttime operations and heavy rainfall, which significantly reduced visibility. Although air traffic control directed the pilots to perform an instrument approach, the crew opted to attempt a visual approach to runway 02.
After failing to establish visual contact with the runway, the crew executed a go-around maneuver. Following a right turn, they attempted a second approach several minutes later, which was also aborted due to the continued lack of visibility. In a subsequent attempt to reach runway 20, the captain performed a left turn that deviated from established flight procedures. While flying at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters, the twin engine aircraft collided with a mountain slope located roughly 5.9 km northwest of the airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane and nine fatalities.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the primary factor in the accident was the crew's failure to adhere to published approach and go-around procedures. Additionally, the presence of rain and the lack of visibility during night operations were identified as contributing elements to the disaster.