Probable cause: The improperly seated fuel cap, which resulted in an in-flight fuel leak and subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
aviation accidents
Poor maintenance fatal for Quicksilver pilot
Probable cause: An engine loss of power due to fuel starvation from a broken fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine, which prevented the pilot from reaching a suitable landing area. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of the engine and its components.
Mooney lands in California neighborhood after running out of fuel
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning and improper decision to not refuel before the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
High density altitude impairs 172’s takeoff performance
Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to take off in high-density altitude and gusting quartering tailwind conditions, which resulted in a loss of lift and an inability to gain altitude during the initial climb.
Failure to remove engine cowl plugs results in crash
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to remove the engine cowl plugs during preflight, which resulted in excessive engine cylinder head temperatures during climb and a total loss of engine power.
Bird strike bends 172
Probable cause: An in-flight collision with a bird while on downwind.
Water in fuel system leads to loss of engine power
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in undetected water in the fuel system and a total loss of engine power during the initial climb.
Carb icing contributes to crash
Probable cause: The accumulation of carburetor ice while operating at a reduced engine power setting, which resulted in a total loss of engine power on approach and a subsequent forced landing on unsuitable terrain.
Failure to secure fuel cap fatal for two
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper decision to return to the runway instead of landing straight ahead when the engine lost power and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for an emergency landing, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly secure the left main fuel tank cap after refueling, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during the takeoff climb.