Engine failure during final approach leads to street landing

Casualties unknown • Las Vegas, NV, US

An aircraft experienced engine failure on a four-mile final approach, resulting in an emergency touchdown on a city street and collision with sign posts.

What happened

While performing a four-mile final approach to runway 1 left, the aircraft's engine ceased operation. The pilot managed to complete a successful touchdown on a city street; however, during the landing roll, the aircraft collided with several street sign posts. There were no injuries reported among the occupants.

The investigation

Post-accident inspections of the aircraft revealed that there was no fuel present in either fuel tank. Prior to departure, the pilot had used a dipstick to verify the fuel levels, confirming that each of the two tanks contained at least 21 gallons of fuel.

During the flight, a passenger reported smelling a fuel odor to the pilot. At that time, the pilot inspected both wings for visible signs of leakage but found none. A subsequent inspection of the fuel filler caps by the pilot following the accident revealed that the right fuel cap was not in the fully closed position.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by fuel loss resulting from a fuel filler cap that was not properly secured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-03-16 Cessna T207A accident near Las Vegas, NV?

An aircraft experienced engine failure on a four-mile final approach, resulting in an emergency touchdown on a city street and collision with sign posts.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-03-16 involved a Cessna T207A, registration N75841, operated by Air Nevada Airlines, Inc, at Las Vegas, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by fuel loss resulting from a fuel filler cap that was not properly secured.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16634. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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