Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, resulting in fuel supply exhaustion.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On November 8, 1998, approximately 1330 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172M, N8883V, sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain following a loss of engine power short of the runway at Alexander Municipal Airport, Belen, New Mexico. The private pilot received minor injuries. No flight plan was filed for the personal cross-country flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Bonham, Texas, approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes prior to the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
According to the pilot, while en route to Belen, he landed at Fort Sumner, New Mexico, where he planned to purchase fuel. The pilot stated that he was unable to find a line person to sell him fuel, so he continued to Belen without refueling. While on final approach to Alexandrer Municipal Airport, the engine lost power and the aircraft landed short of the runway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft nosed over. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear, wings, vertical fin, and rudder.
The pilot stated in his accident report: "[I] departed Fort Sumner thinking I had enough fuel to reach Belen. [I] didn't make it." This was subsequently supported by local authorities, who confirmed they found no evidence of fuel in the fuel tanks.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN99LA019