Casualties unknown

Improper Fuel Cap Seating Leads to Forced Landing and Nose-Over (N744AP)

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, US

On July 4, 1987, a Cessna TU-206F (registration N744AP) operated by Malcolm Wornoff was involved in an aviation accident near Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper seating and sealing of the right fuel cap, which permitted fuel siphoning, leading to fuel exhaustion and engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A pilot refueled and used the left tank until empty, then switched to right. About 2 miles from destination, engine failed due to fuel siphoning from improperly seated right fuel cap. Aircraft landed in clear zone and nosed over.

Pilot Actions

The pilot performed a refueling before the flight, topping off both fuel tanks. During the flight, the pilot first used the left fuel tank until it was empty, then switched to the right tank for the remainder of the journey.

Engine Failure and Landing

Approximately 2 miles short of the destination, the engine failed. The aircraft was subsequently landed in the clear zone designated for runway 13. During the landing roll, the nose gear dug into the ground, causing the aircraft to nosed over.

Fuel System Examination

Post-accident inspection revealed that the right fuel cap had been improperly seated and sealed. This condition allowed fuel to be siphoned from the right tank during flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent engine failure.

Probable cause

Improper seating and sealing of the right fuel cap, which permitted fuel siphoning, leading to fuel exhaustion and engine failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 1987 Cessna TU-206F accident near Ft. Lauderdale, FL?

A pilot refueled and used the left tank until empty, then switched to right. About 2 miles from destination, engine failed due to fuel siphoning from improperly seated right fuel cap. Aircraft landed in clear zone and nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 1987 involved a Cessna TU-206F, registration N744AP, operated by Malcolm Wornoff, at Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Improper seating and sealing of the right fuel cap, which permitted fuel siphoning, leading to fuel exhaustion and engine failure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31581. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.