Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot not checking the security of the fuel caps prior to flight leading to fuel exhaustion and the subsequent non-mechanical loss of engine power during descent.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot had the airplane fueled and then departed on a cross country flight. The airplane lost engine power during descent. The airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted high vegetation during the forced landing. The pilot stated that he did not check the fuel tank caps before the flight. The fuel tanks did not contain fuel and fuel caps were not in-place on-scene. The airplane's preflight inspection checklist indicate that both fuel tank caps are to be checked for security.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot had the airplane fueled and then departed on a cross country flight. The pilot reported that the airplane lost engine power during descent to the destination airport. An off-airport landing was performed and substantial damage occurred when the airplane impacted high vegetation. The pilot stated that he did not check the fuel tank caps before the flight. The fuel tanks did not contain fuel and fuel caps were not in-place on-scene. The Cessna 185, Skywagon, owner's manual contained a preflight inspection checklist. That inspection checklist, in part, stated: 4 f. Visually check fuel quantity; then check [the right fuel tank’s] fuel filler cap secure and vent unobstructed. ... 6 a. Visually check fuel quantity; then check [the left fuel tank’s] fuel filler cap secure and vent unobstructed.