The pilot reported that, near the conclusion of a long cross-country flight, the engine suddenly lost partial power.
He declared an emergency with air traffic control and was advised that the nearest airport was about five miles behind him. He reversed course and began heading toward the airport.
Unable to reach the airport, he initiated a landing to an open field near Doniphan, Missouri. During the landing roll, the Cessna 182 hit a fence and a detached garage.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed blue-colored fuel streaking from the right wing fuel cap to the trailing edge of the flap. Both fuel tanks were empty.
The pilot reported he was aware before the flight that the right wing fuel cap was leaking and that it had been leaking since he purchased the airplane about six months before the accident.
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper decision to take off with a known fuel leak, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB Identification: GAA17CA361
This June 2017 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
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John says
June 17, 2019 at 3:32 pmI would like to see faa step up yoplaye andcteport why piper Wong failed in flight last April and yet not report
Manny Puerta says
June 7, 2019 at 7:10 amHe also wasn’t watching the fuel gauges and didn’t understand the fuel system. With fuel quantity decreasing that quickly out of one tank, with the other following at a slower rate, and him knowing about the fuel leak, he could have selected the opposite tank rather than leaving the selector in BOTH. That would have prevented the fuel from transferring to the tank with the bad fuel cap as the low pressure sucked the out the fuel.
gbigs says
June 7, 2019 at 6:40 am“The pilot reported he was aware before the flight that the right wing fuel cap was leaking and that it had been leaking since he purchased the airplane about six months before the accident.” He should lose his license…period.
Dale L. Weir says
June 7, 2019 at 11:36 amNot a license, it is a Certificate….period.
gbigs says
June 8, 2019 at 7:19 amHow about he loses every government issued chunk of paper he owns so he doesn’t endanger anyone in the air or on the roads. The point being, the FAA allows these guys to be irresponsible without any repercussions. Eventually he will do this and kill himself and others when he hits a house instead of an open field. I see these fuel mistakes no different than a DUI.
Dale L. Weir says
June 9, 2019 at 8:29 pmSo, you are saying the FAA never takes any enforcement action and just lets them off with no repercussions? Do you have personal knowledge of these events to back up your claims?
Phil says
June 6, 2019 at 10:16 amHe couldn’t be bothered to replace a leaking fuel cap for six months?? If I was his aircraft insurance agent, I think I would refuse to pay out on this accident.
Jeff says
June 7, 2019 at 4:46 amI hear ya Phil! But please, don’t be giving those insurance guys any ideas. They’re always looking for an out as it is. Next thing you know they’ll tell you something like, “I’m sorry Mr. Smith, but your accident happened on a Monday, and unfortunately your policy only covers you Tuesday through Sunday.” 🥴
Dave says
June 7, 2019 at 5:30 pmI couldn’t agree more!!