One Sunbather Killed As Caravan Makes Off-Airport Landing

A Cessna Caravan fitted for skydiving drops made an off-airport landing along a beach in Oaxaca, Mexico, killing one sunbather as it came down.

The aircraft was carrying 17 when it had an engine failure. The pilots aimed for the least developed land around, deciding to make a landing along Bacocho beach. As the aircraft came in, it reportedly made contact with one beachgoer, a 62-year old local from Puerto Escondido. He was struck in the chest by either the aircraft or by flying debris, dying within minutes. He is apparently the only fatality, surprisingly enough. The 11am Sunday morning beachgoing crowd wasn't as crowded as it is in peak season, a fact that played to the fortune of all involved. Additional injuries to those aboard resulted in the course of the crash, but no serious damage to life or limb has been reported. 

The incident marks the first time the local skydiving community has seen a fatality since 2018. Mexico City previously lost one parachutist when they collided with another in the terminal descent, falling to their death.The local school, Skydive Puebla, appears to be taking an operational pause for a time while they get their bearings once again. Their school primarily caters to tourists, resulting in a minor bit of international intrigue as the Canadians sought to check on four of their countrymen aboard the crash. For now, at least, it’s just another tragic case study in off-airport landing sites.

FMI: www.skydivepuebla.com