Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a subsequent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
While on approach to the runway, the pilot added power to the engine to adjust the approach path, and the engine did not respond. The pilot was unable to restart the engine, and he performed a forced landing to a nearby field. During the landing, the airplane struck a wire and then the ground. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that caps were present on the fuel tank vent lines, creating a vacuum and preventing fuel flow to the engine. The pilot said that he had placed the caps on the fuel vent lines to keep insects out of the lines and the fuel tanks and forgot to remove them during his preflight inspection. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA094 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 30, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fredericksburg, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Gillespie County Airport (T82)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 305A
- N-number
- N6735Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.