What happened
On November 9, 1999, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-31 operated by Transportes Aéreos Ejecutivos, S.A. de C.V. crashed near Uruapan, Michoacán, shortly after departing from runway 20 at Uruapan Airport. The flight was scheduled to proceed from Uruapan to Mexico City with an estimated flight time of 50 minutes.
After taxiing and receiving takeoff clearance, the crew initiated the takeoff roll. During the maneuver, the aircraft experienced an improper rotation that caused the tail skid to drag along the runway. Following liftoff, the aircraft entered a steep climb, which led to a rapid loss of airspeed and lift. The aircraft subsequently stalled and plummeted into an avocado orchard approximately 3.3 nautical miles from the airport. The impact was violent, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft and a post-impact fire. There were 18 fatalities (five crew members and thirteen passengers) and no survivors.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, engine performance, and flight recorders. Analysis of the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-17A engines revealed they were functioning normally with full power at the time of the accident, showing no signs of fatigue or pre-impact failure. Flight data and voice recorders were recovered and analyzed, confirming that all control surfaces and mechanical systems were operational. The investigation also reviewed the crew's licenses, finding both the commander and first officer held valid certifications for this aircraft type.
Findings
- Improper takeoff rotation and an excessive climb angle caused a loss of airspeed and subsequent stall.
- Spatial disorientation occurred during the instrument flight (IFR) operation, exacerbated by the crew turning on cockpit lights during the takeoff roll, which obscured their external vision.
- The crew failed to follow standard checklist procedures and did not adhere to established aeronautical publication manuals for IFR operations at Uruapan.
- Inadequate Crew Resource Management (CRM) contributed to the loss of aircraft control.
- A perceived issue regarding slat asymmetry indicators may have distracted the crew from maintaining flight control.