TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Updated 04/07/09

October 31, 2008: Jim departed for Mexico at 8:00 AM Pacific Standard Time and was to return home on November 3, 2008.

November 3rd 2008, 12:45 PM - During an inland departure from Punta Chivato, Mexico, Jim experienced complete failure of the left engine immediately upon takeoff in a Beechcraft Super King Air 200, tail number N200JL. At this time, oil pressure was lost, creating an inability to feather the prop on the right engine, resulting in minimal thrust. Directly ahead of the airstrip was a low point in the hills - Jim properly followed emergency procedure and flew directly through the lowest point. Upon cresting the hill, the small canyon curved toward the left. In an attempt to avoid collision with the hillside, Jim made a left bank. At this time, due to the inability to feather the right prop causing the aircraft to stall. The left wing made contact with the ground, immediately crushing / accordioning the wing. The aircraft flipped and right wing contact was made approximately 150 feet obliquely to the left of the initial impact site. Signs of fuel combustion / scorched earth are found approximately half-distance between the left & right wing impact sites. The airplane flipped and slid down the hillside, coming to rest upside down approximately 300 feet away from the initial impact site, at which time flames consumed the wreckage.

Due to the low airspeed and high angle of impact, all aircraft wreckage was maintained within a few hundred foot radius. Impact occurred so soon after takeoff that landing gear were not retracted (less than 200 feet altitude). Accident photos verify eyewitness reports of left engine failure. Rough estimate of time from takeoff to impact was approximately 10 - 20 seconds.

Click here for accident information and photos taken by me in Chivato 04/03/09

We may seek some solace in knowing that there was absolutely no suffering in his passing, and he died doing what he loved.

Click here for news photos of the accident site

Here is an accident report I located. They updated the report with Jim's name spelled correctly. Click HERE.
Preliminary NTSB report of the accident. Click HERE.
Direct link to NTSB accident report of this incident. Click HERE.
Mexico newspaper article regarding the accident. Click HERE.
Rough 'google-translated' version of the article. Click HERE.
Online newsboard posting regarding regarding Jim. Click HERE.
General information regarding Punta Chivato Airport. Click HERE.

Photos of the Kingair N200JL

November 5th 2008: Jim's remains were transported to Tijuana at 10:30 AM and across the border at 7:30 PM. He arrived at McAuley Wallace Funeral Home in Yorba Linda, CA approximately 11:00 PM.

November 6th 2008 @ 1:00 PM: Wake for family - bid farewell to a beloved son, brother, husband, and friend. His remains were cremated.

November 8th 2008: Memorial church service for Jim - 10:00 AM at: St. Joseph Catholic Church. A beautiful service conducted in honor of James Douglas Weidler. Personal testimonials & stories offered by Frank Weidler, Sr. (Jim's Father), Ricardo Gutierrez (Carolina's Father), Daniel Gutierrez (Carolina's Brother), Mark Weidler (Jim's Brother), Frank Weidler, Jr. (Jim's Brother), & Carolina Weidler (Jim's Loving Wife).