What happened
On July 4, 2025, at approximately 0900 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182B, registration N7166E, was involved in an accident near Belen, New Mexico. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft became airborne prematurely while the airspeed indicator showed only 40 knots. The pilot initially believed the aircraft was flying due to ground effect and leveled the plane to build speed, but the indicated airspeed failed to increase. The pilot noted that while the ground speed increased and the aircraft felt as though it wanted to climb, the airspeed indicator remained at 40 knots. Near the end of the runway, uncertain of the actual flight speed, the pilot initiated a climb.
While flying the airport traffic pattern for runway 03, the pilot observed the indicated airspeed rise to 60 knots during the downwind leg, only to see it drop back to 40 knots during the final approach. Upon landing, the aircraft bounced and struck the ground with significant force on the nose landing gear. All occupants—the pilot and two passengers—were not injured.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft following the accident revealed substantial damage to the engine mount and the forward fuselage.