No fatalities

Engine Failure Prompts Off-Airport Landing and Subsequent Road Takeoff

Belen, NM, United States

On February 11, 2014, a CESSNA 182J operated by DRIVING SUCCESS INC was involved in an aviation accident near Belen, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel onboard for the intended flight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

After an engine failure shortly after takeoff, the pilot performed an off-airport landing, striking a pole and damaging the left wing. Fuel was delivered, the airplane moved to a road, and the pilot took off from the road to another airport.

Incident Overview

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane experienced an engine failure, prompting the pilot to execute an off-airport landing. During the landing, the airplane struck a pole, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.

Post-Landing Actions

Following the incident, the pilot received assistance from airport personnel, who delivered approximately 20 gallons of fuel to the scene. The personnel also helped the pilot move the airplane to a nearby road.

Subsequent Flight

The pilot subsequently took off from the road and flew to a different airport located about eight miles from the departure point. After landing at that airport, approximately 14 gallons of fuel was drained from the airplane.

Final Repositioning

The airplane was then refueled and flown back to the departure airport.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotFluid management

Other contributing factors

Fluid level