Cessna 177A Cardinal, G-BTSZ, 26 May 2010

From:
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published
10 December 2014
Category:
General aviation - fixed wing
Report type:
Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
Date of occurrence:
26 May 2010
Aircraft type:
Cessna 177A Cardinal
Location:
Tempsford Airfield (disused), Bedfordshire
Registration:
G-BTSZ

Cessna 177A Cardinal, G-BTSZ

Summary:

Approximately 15 minutes into a local area flight from Cranfield, the aircraft’s engine began to misfire. The pilot applied carburettor heat, to no effect; and then observed that both fuel quantity gauges indicated that the fuel tanks were empty. The pilot carried out a forced landing, during which the nose landing gear collapsed. Subsequent investigation showed that the probable cause of the loss of power was the build up of water contaminated fuel residue in the engine fuel strainer drain mechanism, which prevented the drain from closing fully after the pre flight checks and resulted in the loss of fuel.

Download report:

Cessna 177A Cardinal, G-BTSZ 10-10.pdf (297.58 kb)

Published 10 December 2014