On August 30, 1996, a Cessna 180 (registration N8241V) operated by Lake Clark Air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Port Alsworth, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fuel starvation caused by the unporting of the right fuel tank, and the pilot's inadequate preflight by not dipping the fuel tank to ensure sufficient fuel quantity to prevent the unporting. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After draining the left fuel tank for storage, a pilot experienced engine power loss near destination, resulting in a nose-over landing. Examination found usable fuel in both tanks.
Incident Details
The pilot had landed at a field site to pick up two passengers. Following the landing, he drained the fuel from the left fuel tank for storage. According to the operator, this is their normal practice, and as a result, they operate the airplanes with the fuel selector valve positioned to the right fuel tank. When the airplane was approximately five minutes from its destination, the engine unexpectedly stopped producing power. The airplane subsequently landed and nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
A subsequent examination of the fuel system revealed that the right fuel tank contained 7.3 gallons of usable fuel, while the left fuel tank contained 3.1 gallons of usable fuel. The engine was started and operated normally during testing after the incident.
Witness Statements
The passengers stated that the pilot did not dip the fuel tank prior to departure and that the return flight was turbulent.