Fuel cap left off — Piper PA-28 Archer, near Archerfield

Summary

A Cairns Aero Club Piper PA-28-181 conducting a cross-country training flight departed Archerfield Airport with the right fuel filler cap not secured. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the student noticed fuel venting from the right wing leading edge. The instructor took control and returned to Archerfield for a precautionary landing without incident.

Investigation Findings (4)

1. 01The student pilot completed the pre-flight but did not check the fuel cap was secure on the right tank.
2. 02The instructor conducted a self-briefing but relied on the student's pre-flight report.
3. 03Approximately 22 litres of fuel were lost in flight; flight could have continued safely to destination, but the precautionary landing was correct crew resource management.
4. 04ATSB reinforced the importance of dual verification for fuel cap security in the post-investigation safety message.