N7166ECessna 182B · 1959

On July 4, 2025, about 0900 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182B, N7166E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Belen, New Mexico. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne prematurely, when the airspeed indicator displayed 40 knots. They thought it was due to ground effect, and leveled the airplane to gain airspeed, however, the indicated airspeed did not increase. The pilot stated that while in ground effect, the airplane’s ground speed increased, and the airplane “felt” like it wanted to climb. Near the end of the available runway, the pilot concluded that the airspeed indicator was not displaying correctly, and was unsure how fast the airplane was flying, and initiated a climb, as the airspeed continued to indicate 40 knots. The pilot remained within the airport traffic pattern for runway 03, and while on downwind, noticed the indicated airspeed rose to 60 knots, then while on final, it had reduced to 40 knots. During landing, the airplane bounced and subsequently landed hard on the nose landing gear.

Post accident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the forward fuselage and engine mount.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.