Incident Overview

Date: Monday 13 June 1994
Aircraft Type: Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II
Owner/operator: Aero Cuahonte
Registration Number: XA-SLU
Location: 5,9 km NNW of Uruapan Airport (UPN) – ÿ Mexico
Phase of Flight: Approach
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 9 / Occupants: 9
Component Affected: Aircraft Flight Controls (specifically, the turn command).Aircraft Flight Controls (specifically, the turn command).
Investigating Agency: SCTSCT
Category: Accident
A Metro II passenger plane crashed after attempting to land at Uruapan Airport, Mexico, due to limited visibility. The pilot initially attempted a visual approach to runway 02, but abandoned the approach due to insufficient visibility. Subsequently, the pilot executed a right-hand procedural turn to align with runway 20, which violated established procedures. The aircraft impacted a mountain.A Metro II passenger plane crashed after attempting to land at Uruapan Airport, Mexico, due to limited visibility. The pilot initially attempted a visual approach to runway 02, but abandoned the approach due to insufficient visibility. Subsequently, the pilot executed a right-hand procedural turn to align with runway 20, which violated established procedures. The aircraft impacted a mountain.

Description

The Metro II passenger plane, operated by Aero Cuahonte, was destroyed when it struck a high ground after trying to land Uruapan Airport, Mexico. Visibility at the airport was limited, so the controller instructed the flight to carry out an instrument approach. The flight crew however insisted in attempting a visual approach to runway 02. This approach was abandoned due to limited visibility. The pilot then executed a right-hand procedural turn to attempt another approach to runway 02. This approach was abandoned as well. The pilot now attempted to visually line up with runway 20 by making a left-hand turn. This was contrary to the approach procedures at Uruapan. The aircraft then impacted a mountain at 3937 ft (1200 m). Weather at Uruapan was reported as: visibility 4nm; half cloudy ceiling at 800 ft; clouds at 1200 feet and overcast at 2000 feet. Probable cause: “Not complying with the established procedure of turning right, after a failed approach.”

Primary Cause

Failure to comply with established procedure of turning right after a failed approach.Failure to comply with established procedure of turning right after a failed approach.

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