What happened
The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection of N5743P, he noticed an anomaly with the fuel system. After draining the fuel sump, the strainer handle failed to return to its fully seated position. Despite observing this mechanical issue and smelling fuel vapors en route, the pilot decided to continue the flight. The aircraft departed Flint Bishop International Airport (KFLN) with approximately 6.5 gallons of fuel on board, roughly 15 minutes before the incident.
While approaching KFLN, the engine quit as the pilot was cleared to land by the tower. Witnesses at the accident site confirmed that the fuel strainer handle was not fully seated. The fuel tanks were subsequently found empty, indicating fuel exhaustion was the immediate cause of the power loss.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel strainer handle had not locked into place. This allowed fuel to leak past the seal during flight, eventually depleting the tanks. The pilot's decision to fly with a known defect in the fuel system management contributed directly to the outcome.
Findings
- The fuel strainer handle was not fully seated prior to takeoff.
- Fuel leaked from the sump area during flight.
- The pilot continued the flight despite noticing the preflight discrepancy.
- The aircraft operated with insufficient fuel for the intended duration.