# NTSB investigations: Fuel storage

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 2 · 60 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA084.md): Cessna 172 · Taylor, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 26, 2025 · N172BX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that resulted in a loss of engine power due to water contamination.
- [NTSB ERA25LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA188.md): Cessna 172RG · Louisburg, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 23, 2025 · N6386V · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s failure to identify and remediate water contamination of the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during initial climb.
- [NTSB ERA24LA359](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA359.md): Champion 7ECA · Sussex, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 27, 2024 · N9580S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to properly secure the left wing fuel cap, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB CEN24LA316](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA316.md): Cessna A185E · Eveleth, MN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 14, 2024 · N2248T · Substantial damage
  > Water contamination of the fuel system which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight.
- [NTSB ERA24LA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA232.md): Cessna 172P · Citronelle, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 27, 2024 · N658NV · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a fuel vent line that was clogged by an insect nest.
- [NTSB ANC24FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24FA029.md): Douglas C54D · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 23, 2024 · N3054V · Destroyed
  > A loss of power of the No. 1 engine for reasons that could not be determined, and the incorrect installation of a B-nut fitting in the propeller feathering system, which allowed engine oil to spray onto the exhaust system when the propeller was feathered…
- [NTSB WPR24LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA009.md): Stephen D Phillabaum Helicycle · Deer Park, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 1, 2023 · N519SP · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation resulting from contamination of the fuel system during low-level flight.
- [NTSB WPR23LA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA349.md): Cessna 172N · Compton, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 20, 2023 · N733ZN · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power on takeoff due to water-contaminated fuel. Contributing to the accident was the inadequately maintained fuel system, which resulted in water entering the fuel tanks through the filler caps.
- [NTSB ERA23LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA336.md): Cessna 182P · North Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 13, 2023 · N22RE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to properly secure the left wing fuel cap, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB WPR23LA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA192.md): Viking Air DHC-6-400 · Half Moon Bay, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 20, 2023 · N153QS · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the ferry fuel tank system to transfer fuel during a trans-Pacific flight for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent ditching into the water.
- [NTSB CEN23LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA101.md): Bellanca 7ACA · Bayport, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 4, 2023 · N9111L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s poor inflight fuel monitoring that resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB WPR22LA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA313.md): Piper PA-30 · St Ignatius, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 23, 2022 · N4009Y · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN22FA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA298.md): Piper PA-24-250 · St. Jacob, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 2, 2022 · N5235P · Destroyed
  > The inadequate maintenance of the airplane fuel system that resulted in fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN22LA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA283.md): Osprey II · Bulverde, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 24, 2022 · N10236 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation due to a blockage of the fuel tank outlet port.
- [NTSB WPR22LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA211.md): Rans S21 · Fairfield, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 9, 2022 · N46JH · Substantial damage
  > The owner’s (pilot) failure to properly torque a fuel filter b-nut fitting, which likely introduced air into the fuel system and resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing to the loss of power was a missing restricted bypass line and a header tank vent…
- [NTSB WPR22LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA203.md): Czech Sport Aircraft A S Sportcruiser · Hillsboro, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 7, 2022 · N565L · Substantial damage
  > A missing fuel filler cap O-ring, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel.
- [NTSB WPR22LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA138.md): Robinson Michael E Cozy Mark IV · Tucson, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 30, 2022 · N294MV · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power during an approach due to clogged fuel filters, which resulted from an epoxide sealant used in manufacture of the airplane deteriorating and clogging the fuel filter.
- [NTSB WPR22FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA022.md): Cessna 172 · Ukiah, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 28, 2021 · N1870V · Substantial damage
  > A power interruption due to water-contaminated fuel, which resulted in the student pilot aborting the takeoff and landing hard. Contributing to the accident were a leak in the left fuel tank that allowed water to enter and damage to the fuel tank that…
- [NTSB CEN21LA406](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA406.md): Cessna A185F · Kingsley, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 6, 2021 · N7574N · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of an unsecured fuel bladder, which reduced the fuel capacity of the affected tank.
- [NTSB ERA21LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA228.md): Robert Trembly JA20 Highlander · Central City, KY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 20, 2021 · N743BT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to properly secure the left wing fuel cap before flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB ANC20LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20LA093.md): Piper PA22 · Homer, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 14, 2020 · N8875C · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power during the initial climb due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was the corrosion of the fuel tank filler necks, which resulted in water intrusion into the fuel tanks.
- [NTSB ERA20LA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA295.md): Aeronca 11AC · Nebo, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 22, 2020 · N86002 · Substantial damage
  > A leak in the main fuel tank that resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB CEN20LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA063.md): Piel CP301 · Paulding, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 17, 2020 · N4120 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane following the loss of engine power. The loss of engine power was the result of fuel starvation due to the degraded fuel tank and fuel contamination.
- [NTSB ERA19TA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19TA235.md): Cessna 152 · Wakefield, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Jul 25, 2019 · N47028 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect and remove all water from fuel, and maintenance personnel’s unapproved repair of the right wing fuel cap, which resulted in fuel contamination and a subsequent partial loss of engine power…
- [NTSB GAA19CA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA067.md): Jabiru J230-SP · Center, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 18, 2018 · N667J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN18FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA030.md): Temco GC 1B · Pineville, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 10, 2017 · N2363B · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the unporting of the fuel during a right turn due to the auxiliary fuel tanks' improper configuration.
- [NTSB ERA17LA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA333.md): Buschmann/Vanzee Vari EZ · Ambler, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2017 · N830S · Substantial damage
  > Water contamination of the fuel that was not detected during a preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN17LA356](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA356.md): Cessna R182 · Worland, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 2017 · N1835R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to operate an airplane with unreliable fuel gauges and the worn fuel cap seal that allowed fuel to siphon from the left wing fuel tank, which ultimately resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB GAA17CA529](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA529.md): Cessna 182 · Fairfield, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 7, 2017 · N735KQ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to secure the right fuel cap during the preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and an off-airport hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR16FA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA183.md): Cessna 182P · Gilbert, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2016 · N20844 · Destroyed
  > An inadvertent explosion of pyrotechnics, which were contained in a box that had been installed on the airplane's left main landing gear assembly spring leg which resulted in shrapnel striking the airplane's left wing and breaching the left wing fuel tank,…
- [NTSB CEN15LA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA296.md): Colonial C 1 · Chico, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2015 · N257B · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the unsnapped fuel bladder, which resulted in an inaccurate fuel quantity indication, and the pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning, during which he relied solely on the fuel…
- [NTSB ERA15CA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA256.md): Cessna 170 · Raymond, MS · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 30, 2015 · N4027V · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel system resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB CEN15FA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA164.md): Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopte EC-130-B4 · St Louis, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2015 · N356AM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to land during unfavorable wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to settling with power. Contributing to the accident were the lack of an adequate approach path due to numerous obstructions and the lack of available…
- [NTSB CEN15FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA003.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L 1 · Wichita Falls, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2014 · N335AE · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control when he applied power to execute a go-around at a low airspeed in dark, night conditions, which resulted in a rapid, uncommanded right yaw due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB ERA14CA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA210.md): Jerome A Baak CH 601XL · Sumter, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 27, 2014 · N121JN · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the fuel exhaustion was the pilot's failure during the building process to properly determine the unusable quantity of fuel.
- [NTSB ERA14LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA178.md): Bellanca 8KCAB · Bay St Louis, MS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 2014 · N11FS · Substantial damage
  > A sudden fuel leak, which resulted in a postlanding fire; the origin of the leak could not be determined due to fire damage.
- [NTSB ERA14LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA094.md): Cessna 150H · Livingston, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 2013 · N684RA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate soft-field technique during the precautionary landing, which resulted in a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in departure with an open fuel port and the subsequent…
- [NTSB CEN13CA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA315.md): Cub Crafters CCK · Cookson, OK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 3, 2013 · N319MA · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to check the fuel during the preflight, and failure to check the fuel storage tank’s fuel filter/water separator.
- [NTSB WPR13FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA054.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Corona, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 2012 · N4204A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance between the helicopter’s main rotor blades and the metal canopy of a fuel island.
- [NTSB WPR12LA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA309.md): Beech A36 · Rock Springs, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2012 · N4972M · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation because of the incorrectly installed fuel cap. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the flight using fuel from the left fuel tank after she observed fuel streaming from the…
- [NTSB CEN12LA371](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA371.md): Amen Star Lite · San Antonio, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2012 · N319NP · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the fuel tank sealant coating, which traveled into the fuel pump, blocked the fuel flow, and resulted in fuel starvation to the engine.
- [NTSB ERA11LA392](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA392.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · West Palm Beach, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2011 · N10786 · Substantial damage
  > Separation of the auxiliary fuel tank cap, which entered the tail rotor system. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a fuel tank cap restraint.
- [NTSB CEN11FA383](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA383.md): Boeing B-17G · Oswego, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 13, 2011 · N390TH · Substantial damage
  > An inadequate repair of the fuel tank that allowed the fuel leak to continue, ultimately resulting in an in-flight fire.
- [NTSB ERA11CA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA237.md): Cessna 182A · Lesage, WV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 10, 2011 · N4810D · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the improper installation of snap fasteners to the rubberized type fuel cells which resulted in wrinkling of the fuel bladders and incorrect fuel quantity for the flight.
- [NTSB ERA10LA357](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA357.md): Beech 58 · LaGrange, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2010 · N405RW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not allowing sufficient time for fuel spill vapors to dissipate before starting the engine. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of the fuel cap.
- [NTSB CEN10FA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA122.md): Piper PA-30 · Amarillo, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2010 · N8501Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to detect water contaminated fuel, which resulted in a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the worn and loose fuel caps, which allowed water to enter the fuel tanks.
- [NTSB ERA10LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA127.md): Cessna 150G · St. Augustine, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 1, 2010 · N3995J · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion caused by the failure of the right wing fuel tank sending unit gasket, which resulted in a forced landing.
- [NTSB CEN10CA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA081.md): Cessna 182P · Bowie, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 25, 2009 · N21177 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to properly secure the right wing fuel cap and monitor the available fuel supply.
- [NTSB CEN10CA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA067.md): Cessna 182 · Carmi, IL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 4, 2009 · C-GZYU · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to assure that the fuel tank filler cap was secured prior to flight.
- [NTSB CEN09CA519](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA519.md): Cessna 182A · Watertown, SD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 31, 2009 · N2131G · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of a fuel tank leak. Contributing to the accident was the reported malfunction of the fuel gauge.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022810/cases.md?page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01022810'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022810/cases

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