Beech N35 N9368Y accident near South Bend, Indiana

Probable cause

The improperly seated fuel cap, which resulted in an in-flight fuel leak and subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot reported that the airplane was nearing the destination at the conclusion of a long cross-country flight when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot declared an emergency and conducted a forced landing to a highway. During the forced landing, the airplane struck an elevated island and a car and was substantially damaged.

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed blue-colored fuel stains streaking from the right wing fuel filler aft to the trailing edge of the right wing flap. The right fuel tank contained 1 cup of fuel and the left fuel tank had about 10 gallons of fuel. The fuel cap and seat were unremarkable. An examination of the engine and remaining systems revealed no anomalies.

It is likely that the right fuel cap was not seated properly before takeoff, which resulted in the siphoning of the fuel during the flight, and a subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA348 for the full record.