On May 26, 2002, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N99044) was involved in an aviation accident near Hinton, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to a fuel cap leak. A contributing 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.
During cruise, pilot observed center tank gauge zero and fuel siphoning from left wing filler cap. Engine lost power, forced landing to pasture, aircraft struck ditch. Fuel cap found secure.
Event Description
During cruise flight, the pilot observed that the center fuel tank quantity gauge indicated zero. Upon checking the left wing filler cap, the pilot noticed fuel siphoning out of the tank. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing to a pasture. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a ditch that was two feet deep and four feet wide.
Examination
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed visible evidence of fuel siphoning from the fuel filler cap to the wing trailing edge. The fuel cap was found secured and no anomalies were noted with the cap.
What happened in the 26 May 2002 Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C accident near Hinton, OK?
During cruise, pilot observed center tank gauge zero and fuel siphoning from left wing filler cap. Engine lost power, forced landing to pasture, aircraft struck ditch. Fuel cap found secure.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 May 2002 involved an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C, registration N99044, at Hinton, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fuel exhaustion due to a fuel cap leak. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
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