Overview

The Cerritos Air Disaster remains a significant event in aviation history, marking a tragic midair collision that occurred on August 31, 1986, over Cerritos, California. This incident involved a Piper PA-28-181 and an Aeromexico DC-9-32, resulting in the loss of all lives on both aircraft and additional fatalities on the ground.

The disaster prompted a thorough investigation that revealed the inadequacies of the existing midair collision prevention strategies, leading to crucial changes in aviation safety protocols.

Key details

  • The collision occurred on August 31, 1986, over Cerritos, California.
  • Involved aircraft included a Piper PA-28-181 and an Aeromexico DC-9-32.
  • All 67 individuals aboard both aircraft perished, along with 15 people on the ground.
  • The Piper entered the Los Angeles Terminal Control Area (TCA) without authorization.
  • The investigation highlighted the limitations of the