American Jet International

Learjet 25

On October 26, 2001, at 1930 central daylight time, a Learjet 25B transport category airplane, N715MH, was substantially damaged when both main landing gears collapsed during the landing touchdown at Ciudad Victoria, State of Tamaulipas, in the Republic of Mexico. The captain, first officer, 2 medical attendants, and 2 passengers aboard the airplane were not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by American Jet International of Houston, Texas. The air ambulance flight originated from the Houston Hobby Airport approximately 1800, and made an intermediate stop at the Matamoros Airport (MMMA) to clear Mexican customs. Night visual meteorological prevailed for the flight, for which and instrument flight rules flight plan was filed.

Gulfstream GII

The aircraft was completing a charter flight from Buenos Aires to Quito with an intermediate stop in La Paz, carrying five passengers and two pilots. The descent to Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport was initiated by night and good weather conditions. While descending to the altitude of 16,000 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Sincholagua (4,899 metres high) located about 45 km southeast of Quito. The wreckage was found the following morning and all seven occupants were killed.