The L-049 Constellations were returned to Pan Am but actually replaced by 3 only slightly newer L-749A Constellations acquired from Air India and an L-649 leased from Eastern. These became XA-MEU-W with the L-649 getting XA-MOA. The Constellations didn't stay in Mexico for long, but even so one was written off. XA-MEV crashed just after take-off at Guadalajara on June 2, 1958 killing all 45 passengers and crew. This was the start of a worrying period of crashes suffered by the airline - mainly due to human error of one kind or another. In this case the crew didn't follow the established climb-out procedure and crashed into the La Latilla Mountain.
The government took the opportunity of nationalising the airline in July 1959 following a damaging pilot's strike in January. Capital was injected enabling a fleet upgrade. Rather than return to the Connies (or the Britannia) 6 ex-SAS DC-6s were acquired from 1959-60 and registered XA-NAH-M. These aircraft would see solid service into the late 1960s with several eventually joining the Fuerza Aera Mexicana (Mexican Air Force). They enabled the replacement of the Constellations, DC-4s and CV-340s. The latter being only young frames were snapped up by Linjeflyg of Sweden.
References
What, When, How: Aeromexico Airplane Issue 202: Civil Aviation - Aeromexico Aviation Safety Network: XA-MEV Aviation Safety Network: XA-MEC Airline Timetable Images RZjets
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AuthorI'm Richard Stretton: a fan of classic airliners and airlines who enjoys exploring their history through my collection of die-cast airliners. If you enjoy the site please donate whatever you can to help keep it running: Archives
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