On Sunday, February 11, 2024, a small plane carrying four Canadian skydivers and a Mexican pilot made an emergency landing on Playa Bachoco, a popular beach in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico.
The forced landing resulted in the death of a 62-year-old Mexican man, Armando D.C., a tourist who was at the beach with his wife.
Five individuals, including the four Canadian skydivers aged 60, 59, 41, and 35, and a 40-year-old Mexican man, sustained injuries but were reported to be in stable condition following hospitalization.
According to a local media agency, the five injured individuals were part of a group of 17 passengers aboard the small aircraft.
Civil Protection officials, referencing initial findings, reported that the aircraft had to execute a “forced landing,” though the reasons necessitating this action were not specified. The aircraft, identified as a Cessna Caravan, was operated by Skydive Puerto Escondido, a local skydiving company.
Despite the plane remaining largely intact, it tragically landed almost directly on top of Armando D.C., who was from San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca. His wife, present at the scene, was fortunately unharmed.
The incident has drawn attention to the safety of skydiving operations and the use of public beaches for emergency landings. The cause of the mechanical failure is still under investigation, with local authorities and aviation officials closely examining the circumstances leading up to the crash.
The crash site, Bacocho Beach, known for its beauty and popularity among tourists, became the center of a tragic event that has since sparked discussions on public safety and aviation regulations.
The governor of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara Cruz, expressed his condolences and promised support for the victims and their families, emphasizing the state’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of both residents and visitors. The community and local businesses near Playa Bachoco have also rallied to assist and support those affected by the incident.
