Incident Overview
While traveling to Belen, New Mexico, the pilot made a stop at Fort Sumner with the intention of purchasing fuel. No line person was available to assist with refueling, so the pilot departed Fort Sumner without adding fuel and continued the flight. During the final approach for landing at Belen, the engine lost power. The aircraft was unable to reach the runway and touched down short of it.
Pilot Statement
In the official accident report, the pilot stated: "[I] departed Fort Sumner thinking I had enough fuel to reach Belen. [I] didn't make it." This indicates that the pilot miscalculated the fuel required for the flight.
Investigation Findings
Local authorities examined the aircraft after the incident. They reported finding no evidence of fuel in the fuel tanks, which corroborates the pilot's account that the aircraft did not have sufficient fuel to complete the flight.