Fuel Caps

[donv]

Twin Commander posted a link to this (older) article on FaceBook, about a guy who took off without a fuel cap, the anti-siphon failed (on a 690-- important, as the outcome would be different on a Jetprop*), ran out of gas, and dead-sticked to a successful landing at night.

https://flightlevelsonline.com/2022/control-column-why-you-should-check-fuel-tank-caps-on-your-twin-commander-3/?fbclid=IwAR2JZ6_B3bsAYT9TyUWp33k0p_mmD0kNOvDjQM_nywiQJ3CJ3cIS9CVVi2w

Seems crazy to me, but I guess maybe it happened?

*On a 690, if the center cap is missing and the anti-siphon valve doesn't work, all the fuel will siphon out. On a Jetprop, there is no center cap so worst case is you lose all the fuel on one side... unless you keep opening the interconnect to correct the fuel imbalance, that is. And don't believe the gauges, which are also much more reliable on a Jetprop.

[Adam Frisch]

That's why I love the low fuel warning light/annunciator. When that alights, it's time got get on the ground promptly. In mine it's when there's 50 gals in the main tank left, if I recall correctly.

[donv]

I just had my airplane fueled at an FBO I use a lot (not Aero Air, FYI), and it's my practice to always feel the fuel caps to make sure they are properly screwed closed. The left one was popped! The FBO apologized, but it is important to make that a regular preflight practice.

[Adam Frisch]

Yeah, I always reach up and feel mine.