Initial Incident
On September 4, 1983, a pilot took off from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, on a 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.
Subsequent Events
The aircraft was refueled at the farm. However, during takeoff the following day, it collided with a tree, then went over a cliff and crashed on the beach below.
Accounts of the Incident
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 by trailer, but the president of the company refused to accept this proposal. The pilot then decided to take off from the farm.
The substance of the owner's account was that the pilot had originally flown the aircraft without proper authorization and knowing that only 5 gallons of fuel were on board.