On September 4, 2005, a Cessna 182E (registration N2942Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Toutle, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power as a result of fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to properly secure the fuel caps during his self-servicing and (improperly) preflighting the airplane. A contributing factor was the utility pole. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After topping fuel tanks and securing caps, a pilot noticed fuel gauges reading empty after 30 minutes. The engine lost power during descent to the nearest airport, resulting in a forced landing with wing damage. Post-accident inspection revealed both caps were improperly attached.
Accident Details
A pilot departing from Snohomish, Washington, reported that he had "topped the tanks" and secured the gas caps before departure. After approximately 30 minutes of flight, he observed that the fuel tanks were reading approximately empty and "knew something was wrong." He immediately initiated a descent and headed for the nearest airport when the engine lost power. During the forced landing attempt, the aircraft impacted a utility pole, separating the outboard right wing tip. The airplane continued forward and rotated to the right, subsequently bending and wrinkling the left wing tip against an earthen road embankment.
Post-Accident Inspection
Post-accident evaluation by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector and evaluation of photographs taken by the pilot indicated that both caps were improperly attached. There was residual evidence that fuel had been streaming aft from each refueling cap.
What happened in the 4 Sept 2005 Cessna 182E accident near Toutle, WA?
After topping fuel tanks and securing caps, a pilot noticed fuel gauges reading empty after 30 minutes. The engine lost power during descent to the nearest airport, resulting in a forced landing with wing damage. Post-accident inspection revealed both caps were improperly attached.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 2005 Cessna 182E accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Sept 2005 involved a Cessna 182E, registration N2942Y, at Toutle, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The loss of engine power as a result of fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to properly secure the fuel caps during his self-servicing and (improperly) preflighting the airplane. A contributing factor was the utility pole.
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