Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper preflight, resulting in the fuel cap(s) not being secured; and subsequent siphoning and loss of fuel, which resulted in loss of engine power, a forced landing, and subsequent collision with a ditch during the emergency landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated he completed a walk-around inspection of the airplane after having it refueled. He did not check the fuel caps to ensure they were secured. He took off, climbed to 3,000 feet, and leveled off in cruise flight. He observed the fuel gauges were indicating empty. The engine sputtered and quit. The pilot made a forced landing to a road and the airplane collided with a ditch on landing roll-out. Examination revealed evidence that fuel had siphoned from the fuel tanks due to loose fuel cap(s).
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 17, 1996, about 0100 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182C, N8605T, registered to Pensacola Aviation, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a total loss of engine power in cruise flight. The pilot made a forced landing to a highway in the vicinity of Anderson, South Carolina, and crashed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight originated from Atlanta, Georgia, about 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated the airplane was refueled at Atlanta, Georgia. He completed a walk around inspection of the airplane, however he did not check the fuel caps. He departed Atlanta and climbed to 3,500 feet msl. He observed the fuel gauges were indicating empty. The engine sputtered and quit. He made a forced landing to a road and the airplane collided with a ditch. Examination of the fuel cap revealed it was not properly secured. -