Aeroméxico Flight 229 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight, operating a Lockheed L-188 Electra, that tragically crashed on June 20, 1973, as it approached Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport. The aircraft was making its descent into the airport located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, when it encountered challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and decreased visibility. Initial investigations pointed towards a combination of factors, including potential pilot error and inadequate weather information, which might have influenced the crew's decision-making process during the critical landing phase.

As the aircraft attempted to land, it reportedly touched down short of the runway, leading to a catastrophic impact. Witnesses described an explosion and subsequent fire, which left no survivors among the 27 passengers and crew members onboard. This incident stood out not only due to the loss of life but also in terms of the operational safety protocols in place at that time. The crash was particularly significant in bringing attention to aviation safety measures within the Mexican commercial airline sector and prompted changes in how airlines communicated weather-related issues to pilots.

The aftermath of the crash also led to a series of investigations by aviation authorities, which examined not only the flight itself but also broader regulations surrounding pilot training and aircraft maintenance standards in Mexico. These inquiries became crucial in informing both local and international aviation safety improvements that followed, echoing a growing global awareness of the need for stringent regulations to ensure the safety of air travel.