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Fuel Cap Failures

The following is derived from maintenance facility submissions to the FAA’s Service Difficulty Reports database.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Fuel cap malfunctions present diverse aviation safety risks, from minor leaks caused by worn parts or deteriorated gaskets to critical in-flight fuel loss and engine failure due to manufacturing flaws, design defects, or unsecured/missing caps.
  • Problems include physical damage (broken plastic), improper securing, manufacturing/design flaws (e.g., incorrect sealing, plugged vents), and general wear and tear of components.
  • These issues can lead to consequences such as fuel siphoning, complete fuel tank depletion, and power loss during flight, emphasizing the critical need for proper cap function and maintenance.
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Beech C90A King Air
Worn Fuel Cap

The crew noticed fuel leaking from the right hand outboard fuel cap. Aircraft returned and the fuel cap was replaced with a new one. The aircraft has since flown 4.9 hours with no defects noted.

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