What happens when you loose a Fuel Cap on your Plane? Dangerous Mistake, and Lesson learned. 

Many years ago back around 1970 I was working as a new "line boy", a term given back in the day to young men who drove fuel trucks who fueled the general aviation airplanes. One day, a pilot asked me to fuel his low wing Camanche. Being new, I thought I'd do him a favor and leave both fuel caps uncapped to prove to him that I topped off both of his tanks. The next thing I heard from other pilots was that a local pilot had to make an immediate landing because he took off with both fuel caps leaving them banging around on small chains. I learned my lesson, but I'm sure he also learned his.

Erroneously high reading on fuel gauges with caps off is no joke. Low pressure over the wing sucks up the probe giving you a full tank indication while dumping fuel overboard. ALWAYS look at the caps again after the preflight is done and right before getting into the cockpit; if you forgot and already buckled up, unbuckle, and go look at them again.

This happened to me once. I accidentally left the fuel cap of my Super Cub on top of my wing after refueling, I was distracted. It fell off when I took off from McCarthy, Alaska. I flew south over the remote Bagley ice field, then to the southern tip of Kayak Island in the Gulf of Alaska where I landed on the beach to do some hiking. It wasn’t until I flew into the Cordova, Alaska town strip to refuel that I noticed that the cap was missing! Luckily I had only lost a few extra gallons, not anywhere close to the amount that you did! Even though I flew almost 200 miles! I certainly double check the caps now every time I gas up! A spare cap is also in my spare parts kit. It sure came in handy then!

Gracias por compartir sus experiencias, saludos desde San José.

Did you found a new fuel cap? looks so remote there think there is not a alot of spare parts around there? Airstrips look incredible, have save trip...

Where in Guanacaste is this airport?

Hey Larry you coming to fun and sun in April ?

No didn’t mention if you found your fuel cap or had to get a new one.😊