La Cantera Airstrip

No official reason for the closure is on record. The most probable cause is abandonment due to economic non-viability. Small, rural airstrips like La Cantera are often built for specific purposes such as supporting local ranching, mining, or agricultural activities. When these activities decline or the strip is no longer needed, it falls into disuse and is not maintained. There is no evidence of a specific accident or military conversion leading to its closure.

The site is completely abandoned and unmaintained. Satellite imagery confirms the presence of a faint, degraded runway outline in the desert landscape. The surface is overgrown with desert scrub and is unusable by aircraft. There are no remaining structures such as hangars, terminals, or support buildings. The land appears to be unused and has reverted to its natural state.

The airstrip's primary historical significance is tied to local lore and ufology, specifically the 'Coyame UFO Incident' of August 25, 1974. According to the story, a UFO collided with a civilian aircraft over the region. It is widely speculated that this airstrip, being the closest to the alleged crash site, was used by the Mexican military and a covert US government recovery team to transport personnel and retrieved materials.

In terms of official operations, it was a rudimentary dirt and gravel airstrip. It would have served general aviation purposes for the remote region, facilitating light aircraft transport for local ranchers, business owners, or government officials. It was never a commercial airport and had no scheduled passenger or cargo services.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening La Cantera Airstrip. Given its remote location, the advanced state of decay, the small population of Coyame del Sotol, and the lack of any significant economic or strategic driver, a reopening is considered extremely unlikely. Restoring the airstrip would require significant investment for no clear economic benefit.