SANTA ROSA, N.M. (AP) - Authorities say the pilot of a small plane that crashed in central New Mexico earlier this month reported an undisclosed fuel pump issue before the aircraft went down, killing both people aboard.

The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary accident report doesn't list the probable cause of the May 5 crash.

Authorities say the twin-engine Beech A60 was flying from Arlington, Texas, to Santa Fe Regional Airport when the pilot radioed about the fuel pump issue and said he was diverting to the nearest airport.

The plane crashed into a tree and rock-covered knoll about a mile west of the Santa Rosa Route 66 Airport.

The pilot and lone passenger suffered fatal injuries.

The NTSB report says witnesses reported seeing the plane flying low to the ground before crashing and burning.

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