With the plane loaded and the pre-flight complete, we picked up our IFR clearance and departed KRNT at 12:00. After a short climb Northbound we turned on course towards Ellensburg. It was a picture perfect Washington day with unlimited visibility and views of Mt. Rainier, Adams, and St. Helens. After passing Moses Lake it was time for the inflight beverage and snack service. Spokane was the next waypoint in the flight plan, but ATC gave us a vector East towards Mullan Pass to save a few minutes of flight time.
After a fuel stop in Missoula, we departed for Billings and climbing out of Missoula we noticed a small amount of fuel eminating from the right tank cap. This was probably excess fuel from the top- off that had been trapped between the tank opening and where the fuel cap sits. But as a precaution we returned to Missoula to check it out. We requested to stop on the taxiway and get out and check the fuel caps. With fuel caps secure we proceeded to start the engine and get under way. The key word here is start the engine and after a few turns of the key, nothing happened. So without a running engine to move, we radioed the FBO for a tug back to the ramp.
Since the mechanics were already gone for the day, we had the FBO arrange a hotel and now we wait until tomorrow for the mechanics to troubleshoot. With any luck, the repair will be a simple one and we'll be on our way again.Click here for more photos
No comments:
Post a Comment