On April 13, 1990, a Cessna 172A (registration N7677T) was involved in an aviation accident near Villa Rica, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINE, INITIATED BY THE COMBINATION OF A BLOCKED FUEL TANK VENT LINE AND A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL FILLER CAP. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION, IN THAT HE DID NOT DETECT THE FUEL VENT LINE BLOCKAGE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a go-around, the engine lost power after throttle advancement. The aircraft force-landed straight ahead and nosed over. Investigation found a wasp nest obstructing the left fuel tank vent and a non-venting right filler cap.
Incident
During an attempted go-around, the pilot advanced the throttle, at which point the engine lost power. The airplane was force-landed straight ahead and subsequently nosed over.
Investigation Findings
An inspection of the airplane revealed that a wasp had constructed a mud nest on the left wing in the area of the fuel tank vent opening. The vent line was found to be obstructed by dirt. Additionally, the right fuel tank filler cap failed to vent properly when tested.
Engine Inspection
An inspection of the engine did not reveal any evidence of pre-existing malfunction or failure.
What happened in the 13 Apr 1990 Cessna 172A accident near Villa Rica, GA?
During a go-around, the engine lost power after throttle advancement. The aircraft force-landed straight ahead and nosed over. Investigation found a wasp nest obstructing the left fuel tank vent and a non-venting right filler cap.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Apr 1990 involved a Cessna 172A, registration N7677T, at Villa Rica, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINE, INITIATED BY THE COMBINATION OF A BLOCKED FUEL TANK VENT LINE AND A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL FILLER CAP. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION, IN THAT HE DID NOT DETECT THE FUEL VENT LINE BLOCKAGE.
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