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NTSB Report
May 19, 1990 · Cessna 182 · N3157F
Santa Ynez, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Santa Ynez, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 182
Tail Number
N3157F
Operator
William Honaker
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA183
THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN REFUELED WITH THE 20 GALLONS OF FUEL IMMEDIATLEY PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT. ABOUT ONE HOUR INTO THE 1.5 HOUR PERSONAL CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE ENGINE QUIT. THE PILOT STATED WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT THE LEFT TANK INDICATED 3/4 FULL AND THE RIGHT TANK 1/8. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IN A GRAPE VINEYARD AND FLIPPED OVER. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED HEAVY FUEL STAINS FROM BOTH FUEL CAPS AFT ON TOP OF THE WING SURFACES AND HORIZONTAL STABILIZERS. THE FUEL TANKS APPEARED TO BE EMPTY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY PREFLIGHT THE AIRCRAFT AND SECURE THE FUEL SYSTEM CAPS WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL SIPHONING AND LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN REFUELED WITH THE 20 GALLONS OF FUEL IMMEDIATLEY PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT. ABOUT ONE HOUR INTO THE 1.5 HOUR PERSONAL CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE ENGINE QUIT. THE PILOT STATED WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT THE LEFT TANK INDICATED 3/4 FULL AND THE RIGHT TANK 1/8. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IN A GRAPE VINEYARD AND FLIPPED OVER. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED HEAVY FUEL STAINS FROM BOTH FUEL CAPS AFT ON TOP OF THE WING SURFACES AND HORIZONTAL STABILIZERS. THE FUEL TANKS APPEARED TO BE EMPTY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:35 PDT
Nearest AirportSanta Ynez (0nm N)
Runway26
Runway Length2804 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 182
Tail NumberN3157F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam Honaker
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-R · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 10 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO