Casualties unknown

1992-09-17: Cessna 177 (N30076) — Grand Lake Air Inc. — Manlius, IL

Manlius, IL, US

On September 17, 1992, a Cessna 177 (registration N30076) operated by Grand Lake Air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Manlius, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel loss due to a cross-feed condition into the lower wing fuel bay with the fuel selector valve in the 'BOTH ON' position while parked on an inclined ramp, leading to fuel exhaustion and subsequent 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft impacted terrain after an off-airport landing attempt following an in-flight engine failure. Investigation found no fuel in tanks; a cross-feed condition caused fuel loss after refueling and parking on an incline.

Accident Overview

An airplane impacted terrain after failing to successfully complete an off-airport landing. The landing followed an in-flight engine failure. On-scene investigation found no fuel in the fuel tanks, and no odor of fuel was detected.

Fuel Loss Investigation

The previous evening, after refueling the tanks, the aircraft was left parked on an inclined ramp. According to a service letter issued in 1969, the aircraft lost fuel due to a cross-feed condition into the lower wing fuel bay. This condition occurred when the fuel selector valve was in the 'BOTH ON' position. The service letter warned that the cross-feed condition could result in overfilling of the lower wing tank and cause fuel to drip from the lower wing tip vent.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft departed with presumably insufficient fuel. An in-flight engine failure occurred, and the pilot attempted an off-airport landing. The landing was not successful, and the aircraft impacted terrain.

Conclusion

No further details were provided in the source about the aircraft type, registration, occupants, or injuries. The investigation focused on the fuel loss mechanism.

Probable cause

Fuel loss due to a cross-feed condition into the lower wing fuel bay with the fuel selector valve in the 'BOTH ON' position while parked on an inclined ramp, leading to fuel exhaustion and subsequent engine failure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15644. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.