What happened
On September 4, 1983, a pilot departed Arecibo, Puerto Rico, on a short flight of approximately 26 miles to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. While en route, the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot executed a successful forced landing on a farm in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico.
The aircraft was refueled at the site. However, during takeoff the following day, the aircraft collided with a tree before going over a cliff and crashing onto the beach below.
The investigation
Investigations into the incident revealed conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances of the flight. According to the pilot, he was employed by the company that owned the aircraft. He had recommended that the aircraft be transported to the nearest airport via trailer rather than flown. The president of the company refused this proposal.
Consequently, the pilot decided to take off from the farm where he had landed. The owner provided a different account, stating that the pilot had originally flown the plane without proper authorization and with knowledge that only five gallons of fuel were on board.