Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel onboard for the intended flight.
NTSB analysis
Shortly after takeoff the airplane experienced an engine failure. The pilot made an off airport landing and struck a pole, substantially damaging the left wing. The pilot obtained assistance from personnel at the airport, who delivered approximately 20 gallons of fuel to the scene and helped the pilot move the airplane to a nearby road. The pilot subsequently took off from the road and flew to a different airport about eight miles away from the departure point. Approximately 14 gallons of fuel was drained from the airplane after landing. The airplane was subsequently refueled and flown back to the departure airport. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with an engine failure due to fuel starvation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA182 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 11, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Belen, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Alexander Muni (E80)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182J
- N-number
- N300EM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.