Probable cause
A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because no anomalies were found during the postaccident engine examination.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was making a circling descent to the airport after dropping parachutists and that he used carburetor heat during the descent. As the pilot was on the base leg of the landing pattern, close to the turn onto the final leg, the engine lost power. The pilot landed the airplane short of the runway, and the firewall buckled and the nose landing gear bent forward. The operator later functionally tested the engine and it operated normally.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA571 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 29, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Teresa, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Dona Ana County (5T6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182J
- N-number
- N3078F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Skydiving
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.