On October 12, 1996, a Cessna 182A (registration N4924D) operated by Leonard Marr was involved in an aviation accident near Agua Dulce, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate compliance with the applicable airworthiness directive by other maintenance personnel, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in fuel exhaustion from a deteriorated fuel cap seal. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a total loss of engine power during descent and performed a forced landing on a road. Investigation revealed fuel quantity discrepancies and a fuel cap issue.
Incident
While beginning a descent, the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power. The fuel analyzer gauge showed that 1.5 hours of fuel was remaining, but the fuel quantity gauges were erratic. The pilot received radar vectors toward an airport, but he was unable to see it and elected to land on a road.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage disclosed that there was about 1 gallon of fuel in the fuel system. The fuel tanks were not compromised. The upper surface of the left wing disclosed numerous orange/brownish streaks aft of the fuel cap. The right wing did not display any fuel streaking aft of the fuel cap. During testing, the left wing fuel tank was pressurized with water, and water leaked from the cap. The right wing fuel cap was put on the left wing fuel tank, and water did not leak from the tank with the right wing fuel cap installed. The left wing fuel cap seal was brittle. Examination of the engine logbooks disclosed that the applicable airworthiness directive for the fuel cap was complied with about 33 hours before the accident.
What happened in the 12 Oct 1996 Cessna 182A accident near Agua Dulce, CA?
A pilot experienced a total loss of engine power during descent and performed a forced landing on a road. Investigation revealed fuel quantity discrepancies and a fuel cap issue.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Oct 1996 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N4924D, operated by Leonard Marr, at Agua Dulce, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
inadequate compliance with the applicable airworthiness directive by other maintenance personnel, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in fuel exhaustion from a deteriorated fuel cap seal.
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