What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-06-20 involved a Rockwell COMMANDER 112, registration N1188J, at Las Vegas, NM.

Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Forced Landing Near Las Vegas, New Mexico (N1188J)

On June 20, 1998, a Rockwell COMMANDER 112 (registration N1188J) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion leading to loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot with 78 hours total and 7.3 hours in his recently purchased complex airplane experienced fuel exhaustion near Las Vegas, New Mexico, resulting in a forced landing in soft vegetated terrain. The pilot had reported adding 25 gallons of fuel before the flight.

Pilot and Aircraft Background

The pilot received his private pilot license on May 11, 1996, and had accumulated 78 hours of flight experience. He had recently purchased a complex airplane and had logged 7.3 hours in it prior to the accident flight.

Accident Flight

The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight and diverted south through New Mexico due to turbulence. According to the pilot, his initial time en route was 1.5 hours; however, investigation revealed that he had been airborne for 2.5 hours. The aircraft normally burns between 10 and 14 gallons of fuel per hour.

Loss of Engine Power

The pilot reported losing engine power near Las Vegas, New Mexico, due to fuel exhaustion. He stated that his fuel gauges indicated fuel, so he continued to fly. He later reported that he had put 25 gallons of fuel on the airplane before the flight in which the accident occurred.

Landing

The pilot executed a forced landing in soft vegetated terrain.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion leading to loss of engine power.

1998-06-20: Rockwell COMMANDER 112 (N1188J) — Las Vegas, NM