Surveillance camera captures USA Jet crash

It can be a bit difficult to make out, but this video from a surveillance camera captured the last few moments before that USA Jet DC-9 crash at the Saltillo Airport in Mexico last Sunday. The video shows the DC-9 enter what appears to be a significant roll on its final approach to the runway. A bright flash near the aircraft suggests it may have clipped a power line before exiting the frame and crashing on to a nearby road. The impact explosion fills the screen with white light. Unfortunately, one of the pilots did not survive. No word on the state of the other pilot.

(Flight International)

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USA Jet crash photos

Sadly, this accident claimed the lives of one of the two crewmembers on board this DC-9-15 when it crashed this morning during approach to the Saltillo Airport just west of Monterrey, Mexico. The aircraft was registered as N199US and belonged to the American charter freight and passenger hauler USA Jet Airlines. The captain was killed in the crash, while the first officer suffered severe burns. Both were US citizens. Weather was reportedly clear at the time when the aircraft slammed onto a road near the airport. The NTSB has dispatched a team of investigators to assist the Mexican government in its investigation. This incident saddens me as I've worked several USA Jet baby DC-9 operations over the years. R.I.P. and the prayers of the PointNiner crew go out to the families on this one.





(story via CNN.com)
(pictures via Vanguardia)

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