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Engine Power Loss During Flight Leads to Forced Landing and Nose Over (N4721K)

Tuttle, OK, US

On March 2, 2001, a Cessna 182P (registration N4721K) was involved in an aviation accident near Tuttle, OK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel exhaustion due to a loose fuel cap as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight. A contributory factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot reported topping off both fuel tanks before takeoff. En route, engine RPM decreased and power was lost. During forced landing, the nose landing gear struck a drainage terrace, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted. The right fuel tank was empty, the left had residual fuel, and the right fuel cap was found unlocked.

Occurrence Sequence

The pilot of the accident airplane stated that before departure, both fuel tanks were filled to capacity. While en route to the intended destination, the engine RPM began to decrease, and subsequently, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing.

During the landing, the nose landing gear contacted a drainage terrace. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Post-Accident Findings

After the airplane was turned upright, examination revealed that the right fuel tank was empty. The left fuel tank contained residual fuel. The right fuel cap was found unlocked and hanging out of the fuel cell by its retaining chain.

Pilot Statement

The pilot indicated that some of the fuel may have been syphoned out of the fuel tank due to the loose fuel cap.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Mar 2001 Cessna 182P accident near Tuttle, OK?

The pilot reported topping off both fuel tanks before takeoff. En route, engine RPM decreased and power was lost. During forced landing, the nose landing gear struck a drainage terrace, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted. The right fuel tank was empty, the left had residual fuel, and the…

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Mar 2001 Cessna 182P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Mar 2001 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N4721K, at Tuttle, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

fuel exhaustion due to a loose fuel cap as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight. A contributory factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010307X00559. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.