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Fuel Cap Not Secured Leads to Power Loss and Collision with Trees (N5706B)

Sawmill, AZ, US

On July 11, 1985, a Cessna 182 (registration N5706B) was involved in an aviation accident near Sawmill, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to securely refasten the fuel caps after inspecting the fuel quantity. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During preflight, a pilot removed fuel caps to check quantity but failed to secure them. About 90 minutes into flight, engine power was lost, leading to an emergency landing on a road and collision with trees.

Preflight Inspection

During the pilot's preflight inspection of the aircraft, he removed the fuel caps to examine the quantity of fuel in the tanks. Afterward, he failed to securely refasten the caps.

Departure and Flight

At 0700 MST, the pilot and his two passengers departed for a planned flight from Arizona to Colorado. The fuel tanks reportedly contained 56 gallons of fuel.

Power Loss

Approximately 90 minutes after departure, the fuel gauges registered "in the red" and all engine power was lost.

Emergency Landing and Collision

The pilot made an emergency landing at the side of a road. During the rollout, the aircraft collided with trees.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to securely refasten the fuel caps after inspecting the fuel quantity.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 182 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jul 1985 Cessna 182 accident near Sawmill, AZ?

During preflight, a pilot removed fuel caps to check quantity but failed to secure them. About 90 minutes into flight, engine power was lost, leading to an emergency landing on a road and collision with trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jul 1985 involved a Cessna 182, registration N5706B, at Sawmill, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to securely refasten the fuel caps after inspecting the fuel quantity.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37170. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.