Ercoupe; Model 415-C; Incorrect Installation of Wing Tank
Fuel Cap; ATA 2810
The following information was supplied as a joint effort of the Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO) and Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) of Wichita, Kansas, Paul
Pendleton, Aerospace Engineer, and Verle Engel, Aviation Safety Inspector,
respectively. (This article is published as it was received.)
Recently an Ercoupe Model 415-C airplane experienced an accident as the result
of fuel exhaustion of the main fuel tank. The pilot had recently purchased the
airplane involved in the accident and was unfamiliar with the aircraft fuel
system.
Investigation of the aircraft fuel system revealed that at least one of the
fuel caps on the wing tanks was installed backwards. On Ercoupe aircraft the
position of the cap is critical to fuel venting and can have a negative affect
on fuel distribution. The pilot owner's manual contains a caution statement
about this problem. Early serial number aircraft fuel caps could be installed
backwards very easily. Later serial model aircraft fuel caps have a larger tab
on one side to prevent inadvertent reversal of the cap. However, it has also
come to our attention that some of the fuel cap tabs have become worn from
years of service and can also be installed backwards. The accident aircraft
still had at least five gallons of fuel remaining in the wing tanks that did
not get transferred to the main center header tank for distribution to the
engine.
Pilots flying these aircraft need to be reminded to perform a thorough
preflight inspection, to pay special attention to the direction of fuel cap
installation, and to become totally familiar with the aircraft fuel system.
Also, mechanics need to be reminded to replace any worn fuel caps and seals
while performing inspections and maintenance.
……………………………………………………………..end………………………………………………………………………………………….
Robert
Q. Steinman
N3620H
1946 415 C/D
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