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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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December 4, 2009 · Cessna 182 Q · C-GZYU

Carmi, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 4, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Carmi, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 182 Q
Tail Number
C-GZYU
Operator
Donald Lounsbury
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10CA067

The pilot reported that the airplane, which was equipped with long range fuel tanks, had been fully fueled five days prior to the flight. After 3.8 hours of flight time, the engine began to surge then lost power. After unsuccessful attempts at restarting the engine, the pilot made an off-airport forced landing during which the airplane nosed over. Postaccident examination determined that the right fuel cap was missing, although the chain and spring clip were still in place. The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to act as a safety aircraft for Operation Migration. She stated that most of the flying involves making right-hand turns, which results in a higher fuel quantity in the right tank than in the left. The right fuel quantity indicator was indicating 3/8 to 1/2 tank of fuel and the left fuel tank was lower when the engine lost power. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger viewed the top of the wings twice after the airplane was fueled: once to install the canopy cover and again to remove the canopy cover. The fuel cap was not checked for security nor was the fuel level visually checked after the airplane was fueled five days prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to assure that the fuel tank filler cap was secured prior to flight.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported the airplane, which was equipped with long range fuel tanks, had full fuel tanks prior to the flight. After 3.8 hours of flight time, the engine began to surge then lost power. An off airport forced landing was made during which time the airplane nosed over. When the airplane was righted, it was discovered that the right fuel cap was missing, although the chain and spring clip were still in place. The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to act as a safety aircraft for Operation Migration. She stated that most of the flying involves making right hand turns which results in a higher fuel quantity in the right tank than in the left. The right fuel quantity indicator was indicating 3/8 to 1/2 tank of fuel and the left fuel tank was lower when the engine lost power. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger viewed the top of the wings twice after the airplane was fueled. Once to install the canopy cover and again to remove the canopy cover. The fuel cap was not checked for security nor was the fuel level visually checked after the airplane was fueled five days prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:40 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182 Q
Tail NumberC-GZYU
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDonald Lounsbury
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470 · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 71 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 18 C
Altimeter30.28 inHg
Observation Time17:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data