Aircraft Carrying Auto Parts Lost On Approach To Airport

ANN REALTIME REPORTING 07.06.08 1730 EDT: A McDonnell-Douglas DC-9-15 freighter operated by USA Jet Airlines Inc. went down early Sunday morning on approach to Saltillo Airport in the northeastern state of Coahuila, 56 miles west of Monterrey, Mexico.

The accident occurred at 0215 local time as the aircraft neared the airport with a load of automotive parts destined for the General Motors factory in Ramos Arizpe.

Representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board assisting the Mexican government in the investigation said the impact claimed the life of the captain and critically injured the first officer who suffered severe burns. The identities of both were being withheld pending family notification, though it was acknowledged both were American.

According to CNN, vice president of USA Jet Airlines Donald McNeff, said the flight originated from Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, MI just outside of Detroit. It then flew to Hamilton, Ontario to pick up cargo and continued to Shreveport, LA where it cleared customs before departing for Saltillo.
The weather at the airport was described as clear at the time of the accident.

USA Jet Airlines, a subsidiary of Belleville, Michigan-based Active Aero Group, owns four DC-09-15 cargo planes among its 22 aircraft, according to the charter company's Web site.

Active Aero Group, a closely held company, provides specialized freight transportation via its subsidiaries, USA Jet Airlines and Active On-Demand.

FMI: www.usajetairlines.com