On Friday, August 28, 2026, a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter operated by the Mexican Air Force suffered an accident during its takeoff phase at the El Salto Regional Training Center in the municipality of Pueblo Nuevo, Durango, leaving seven military personnel with minor injuries.
The Incident at El Salto Regional Training Center
The aircraft, assigned to the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Defensa), lost stability and experienced a loss of power shortly after initiating flight from the military facility. Captured video footage from witnesses near the scene showed the helicopter spinning on its axis before impacting the ground within the perimeter of the installation.
According to official statements released by Defensa from Lomas de Sotelo, the seven occupants on board sustained minor contusions and received immediate medical attention from Military Health personnel on site at the regional center.
Preliminary Findings and the Investigation
Defensa has not yet concluded an official cause for the emergency landing. However, two primary hypotheses are currently under review by military authorities. One preliminary narrative suggests the rotor may have grazed a tree during initial flight maneuvers, causing the pilot to lose control, while an alternative theory points toward an engine failure.
To establish the exact sequence of events, Defensa activated the Air Force Accident Investigation and Dictation Commission. This specialized body is tasked with evaluating the operational and technical factors surrounding the incident to issue a definitive report.
The Role of the UH-60M in Mexico’s Military Fleet
The aircraft involved, the UH-60M Black Hawk, is manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft in the United States and has a maximum takeoff weight of 9,979 kilograms. Designed for heavy-duty military operations, the platform is utilized across Mexico’s rotary-wing fleet for troop transport, special air operations, search and rescue missions, and aeromedical evacuations.
This rotorcraft forms part of a diversified fleet of transport and utility helicopters managed by Defensa, which includes heavier transport options like the Russian-built Mi-17 and Eurocopter’s EC-725 Cougar, alongside lighter reconnaissance platforms such as the MD-530F.
Looking Forward
What protocols do you believe military aviation authorities should prioritize when operating heavy transport helicopters in challenging mountainous environments? Let us know your thoughts below.
