Background
A Cessna aircraft, newly purchased, was accepted by the flight crew at Independence Municipal Airport, Independence, Kansas. The airplane then departed on a ferry flight bound for Croatia.
Incident
During the cruise phase of flight, a low fuel pressure annunciation was observed by the flight crew. A visual inspection using the airplane's wing inspection lights was conducted. The inspection revealed that the left wing's upper skin was compressed aft of the center spar and forward of the aft spar.
Diversion and Landing
As a result of the finding, the flight was diverted to Allegheny County Airport in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The aircraft landed without any further incident.
Ground Inspection Findings
Upon landing, a ground inspection of the left wing was performed. It was discovered that the left wing's fuel vent had been covered with a temporary vinyl applique. This vinyl had been applied to cover the permanently painted Croatian registration numbers during the aircraft's ferry flight. The vinyl was intended to remain on the wings until the aircraft reached its destination, at which point the Croatian registration would be revealed.
Preflight Checklist Context
The airplane's preflight checklist includes steps for exterior inspection. Step 6 for the right wing and step 11 for the left wing both include the item "Fuel Tank Vent ---------Clear." The presence of the vinyl over the fuel vent indicates that this checklist item was not satisfied prior to departure.
Conclusion
The low fuel pressure warning and subsequent diversion were directly related to the obstruction of the fuel vent by the vinyl applique. The aircraft landed safely, and no further issues were reported.