On November 2nd, local time, a small private aircraft tragically crashed in Pachuca, the capital of Hidalgo state in central Mexico, leading to a catastrophic fire on the streets below. The incident resulted in the loss of both passengers aboard the aircraft. The exact cause of the crash is currently under further investigation.
Reports from various media outlets indicate that the ill-fated aircraft was a Cessna 210, identified by the registration number XB-AZG, and it was operated by the aerospace company Grupo Aeroespacial Avspace. The crash occurred on El Tezontle Avenue in the Venta Prieta neighborhood of Pachuca.
The plane took off from Pachuca National Airport at approximately 9:30 AM, intending to reach the Cuernavaca International Airport (CVJ) in Morelos state. However, less than a minute after takeoff and roughly 500 meters from the runway, it lost control and crashed.
Preliminary information suggests that the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude during its initial ascent, subsequently falling onto a public roadway near the runway and igniting a fierce blaze. Thick smoke rose from the scene, clearly visible from various parts of the nearby urban area.
In the aftermath of the crash, members of the Mexican Army were among the first responders to arrive at the site, engaging in firefighting efforts and securing the accident area. They were soon joined by state police, municipal police, the Pachuca fire department, and Red Cross emergency personnel, all of whom swiftly participated in the emergency response operations.
Tragically, both the pilot and co-pilot aboard the aircraft have been confirmed deceased, although the authorities have yet to disclose their specific identities to the public.
Currently, the command center at Pachuca Airport, in conjunction with Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), has initiated an administrative investigation to determine the precise causes of the crash. This inquiry will explore whether technical malfunctions, adverse weather conditions, or other factors may have contributed to the incident. Efforts to manage the aftermath of the crash and clear the site are ongoing, as authorities work diligently to gather information and provide updates on this tragic situation.
As this investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, with a focus on ensuring the safety of aviation operations in the region and preventing similar tragedies in the future.