Pilot Debrief

Cessna 182 near Swainsboro, GA — 2018-08-25

Final reportERA18FA231
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Date
2018-08-25
Location
Swainsboro, GA, USA
Airport
SBO
Aircraft
Cessna 182
Registration
N4785D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
4
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.

NTSB narrative

After completing several skydiving flights without incident, the airplane was refueled. The pilot completed the next flight uneventfully; however, during takeoff on the subsequent flight, the airplane reached an altitude about 150 ft above ground level when it lost total engine power. A witness reported that the wings "rocked" left and right before the airplane pitched down and impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed that the right fuel tank cap was missing and tape was covering the fuel filler port on the right wing. The tape was installed during the most recent refueling. The fuel selector valve sustained significant thermal damage and was observed in the "both" position when disassembled. Examination of the fuel tank vent line did not reveal any obstructions; however, the line was impact damaged. Examination of the engine and its components revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. While the installation of tape over the right wing fuel filler port likely resulted in a non-venting seal, it could not be determined if it resulted in the loss of engine power, as other means of fuel system venting likely remained. After the total loss of engine power, the airplane exceeded its critical angle of attack and experienced an aerodynamic stall at too low of an altitude for the pilot to recover.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have ensured fuel cap was secured before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

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