Investigation Summary
The aircraft was operating a cargo flight from La Paz to Culiacán. According to preliminary reports, the crew requested a low approach prior to landing. During this maneuver, the airplane struck poles before impacting a sports field and several buildings. A post-impact fire broke out, consuming the aircraft and destroying several structures on the ground. Both crew members were fatally injured, though no casualties were reported among residents in the impact area. The NTSB is assisting the Mexican government in the investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13.
Final Conclusions
The accident was a result of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). While performing a requested low approach maneuver, the crew allowed the aircraft to descend to an unsafe altitude. The aircraft struck utility poles and subsequently crashed into a sports field and vacant buildings approximately one kilometer from the runway threshold. A post-impact fire destroyed the airframe. The investigation highlighted the risks associated with non-standard maneuvers at low altitudes during the approach phase.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Pratt & Whitney J60P-3 Engines
The aircraft was equipped with two turbojet engines mounted on the rear fuselage.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a North American CT-39A-1-NA Sabreliner manufactured in 1962.
- 02The flight was a commercial cargo operation.
- 03Both occupants on board, the pilot and co-pilot, were killed in the accident.
- 04The crash occurred in a residential area of Culiacán Rosales, Sinaloa.
- 05The NTSB assigned accident number DFW07WA054 to the event.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the official investigation report.