1996-04-08: The pilot of the ski-equipped Aeronca 15AC Sedan,
C-FFNV, departed Meridian Lake, Manitoba enroute to Kississing Lake, Manitoba on a fishing trip. About 10 minutes after departure, the passenger noticed a fuel smell. The pilot then saw that the fuel level in the right wing tank was decreasing. When the fuel in the right wing tank was exhausted, the fuel level in the left wing tank started decreasing. The pilot notified FSS of the problem, and when the engine lost power, completed a forced landing on the ice at Kississing Lake, with no injuries or damage. After landing, the pilot noted that the left wing tank fuel cap was missing. A commercial flight operating in the area was able to establish communications with the pilot. A private aircraft carried a supply of fuel to the scene, and after the left wing tank filler port was taped over, the aircraft was started and returned to base without further incident. The fuel caps are not easily accessible. The pilot suspects that he may have left the fuel cap loose after his preflight inspection.
