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Author Topic: Fuel Caps  (Read 1356 times)

donv

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Fuel Caps
« on: April 28, 2022, 01:46:51 pm »
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.
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Adam Frisch

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Re: Fuel Caps
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2022, 01:22:23 am »
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.
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Slumming it in the turboprop world - so you don't have to.

donv

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Re: Fuel Caps
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2022, 10:39:14 pm »
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.
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Adam Frisch

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Re: Fuel Caps
« Reply #3 on: December 08, 2022, 11:31:52 pm »
Yeah, I always reach up and feel mine.
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Slumming it in the turboprop world - so you don't have to.

donv

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Re: Fuel Caps
« Reply #4 on: May 05, 2023, 11:15:55 pm »
I lost one a few days ago, after a quick turn. Arrgh! I make it a habit of feeling them, and I think (could be wrong) that I did so in this case, so maybe it just wasn't turned the full quarter turn...

Anyway, the anti-siphon valve worked fine and I never noticed until I ordered fuel the next day at my destination, and they discovered it.

Aero Air was able to send me one early the next day, so it only cost me a day... and $965 for a fuel cap!

I'm planning to order another one and keep it in the baggage just in case. I figure it's insurance, and if I have one, I will never lose another one!
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