Investigation Summary
On March 30, 2021, a Cessna T206H operated by Aerolineas Chihuahua al Pacifico S.A. de C.V. (also associated with XOMEX Transportes Aéreos) was conducting a local flight for a gender reveal event. The flight originated from Holbox Airfield with four people on board. While maneuvering over the Nichupte Lagoon in the Cancun hotel zone, the aircraft was observed performing low-level maneuvers. Video footage from witnesses on the ground captured the aircraft flying at a low altitude before entering a sudden, steep nose-down attitude and impacting the water. The NTSB is assisting the Mexican authorities in the investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13, as the aircraft was manufactured in the United States. The NTSB did not travel to the scene, and the investigation is being led by Mexican aviation authorities.
Video Analysis
Así se desplomó taxi aéreo en zona turística de Cancún; hay dos muertos — Witness footage showing the Cessna T206H impacting the Nichupte Lagoon during a gender reveal event in Cancun.
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Interesting Facts
- 01The flight was conducted as a gender reveal event involving the release of colored smoke.
- 02The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with the water.
- 03Two pilots were killed in the accident.
- 04Two passengers survived the impact and were rescued from the lagoon.
- 05The NTSB classified the event as a Class 5 investigation.