U.S. cargo jet crashes in Mexico

A DC-9-15 cargo jet operated by USA JetAirlines crashed Sunday on approach to Mexico's Saltillo Airport in the state of Coahuila, killing the pilot and critically injuring the co-pilot, according to news reports.

The narrow-body plane was carrying auto parts. It departed its home airfield in Ypsilanti, Mich., and flew to Hamilton, Ontario, where it picked up its load, and then to Shreveport, La., where it cleared customs.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team to Mexico to help with the investigation of the accident.

The DC-9 is an older plane produced by the former McDonnell Douglas Corp. between 1965 and 1982 that competed with the Boeing 727.

USA JetAirlines was founded 20 years ago as a charter cargo airline. It is a subsidiary of Belleville, Mich.-based Active Aero Group, a private air transport and logistics company. It also provides charter passenger service. 

Source: American Shipper