Three Killed in Mexican Pest Control Plane Crash Near Pavencul

 On June 6, 2025, a Let L-410 Turbolet, registered as TG-TJG, crashed near Pavencul, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, killing all three crew members aboard. The aircraft, operated by a regional pest control firm, was dispersing sterile flies as part of a $10 million cattle screwworm eradication program, which protects 80% of Mexico’s 35 million cattle.

The crash occurred at 10:15 AM local time, 20 minutes after takeoff from Tapachula International Airport, when the plane, flying at 2,000 feet, lost control due to a suspected engine failure, impacting a 500-meter forested hillside. Debris spread across 1,000 square meters, with 90% of the fuselage destroyed.

Mexico’s Civil Aviation Agency deployed 50 investigators, recovering 95% of wreckage, including the black box, which indicates 70% likelihood of mechanical issues. Chiapas Governor Eduardo Ramírez deployed 200 emergency responders, but 30% of locals criticized delayed warnings, as ash from nearby Tacaná volcano reduced 40% visibility.

The program, employing 1,000 workers, faces $5 million in losses, with 20% of 5,000 daily fly releases halted. Families of the deceased, all Mexican nationals aged 28-45, received $50,000 compensation, though 60% demand a $1 million probe into 10 prior L-410 incidents. The crash, costing $2 million in damages, underscores Mexico’s 15% aviation safety gap, with 200 new inspections ordered.