Incident Overview
A pilot was returning to land at his airstrip when the engine lost power due to fuel starvation. While executing a forced landing approach, the aircraft collided with a telephone line and subsequently crashed to the ground.
Pilot Statement and Post-Accident Findings
The pilot reported that before the flight, he had replaced the fuel cap seal. After the accident, when the fuel cap was removed to check for fuel, a rush of air was noted. This indicated that during the flight, the fuel tank had not vented through the cap as required.
Sequence of Events
The power loss occurred as the pilot was on approach to land. The subsequent forced landing attempt was hampered by the presence of a telephone line, which the aircraft struck before impacting the ground.
Investigation Details
No other factors were reported. The investigation focused on the fuel system, specifically the fuel cap and its seal. The rush of air upon removal suggested that the tank was not properly vented, which could lead to a vacuum and fuel starvation.