Date: 201312
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Weather elements / visibility: Turbulence; 10
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Light Sport Aircraft
Operator: Personal
Operating under: Part 91
Flight plan: None
Mission: Personal
Flight phase: Initial Approach
Airspace: Class E ZZZ
ATC / advisory: TRACON ZZZ
Aircraft component: Fuel Tank Cap
Component problem: Improperly Operated
Reporter organization: Personal
Reporter function: Captain; Single Pilot; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Human factors: Human-Machine Interface; Training / Qualification
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Contributing factors: Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: I had stopped at ZZZ for refueling after my first leg. The flight was uneventful. At ZZZ; I utilized the self service fueling facility to top off both tanks with 100 LL Avgas. I filled the starboard tank first; replaced the gas cap and then filled the port tank. Obviously; I either did not properly secure the gas cap on the port tank or left it unsecured altogether after fueling. I sumped all the fuel drains to assure clean; uncontaminated fuel; and performed a quick walk-around inspection of the aircraft. I then entered the aircraft and started the aircraft using the Pre-Start and Starting manufacturer's checklist. Upon trying to pull away from the fueling area; I noticed that I had left the chock on the right main wheel. I shut down the engine; exited the aircraft and removed the chock. I then restarted the engine and proceeded to taxi. The engine run-up was normal and takeoff was normal. My ETA to my destination was calculated at 1 hour and 20 minutes at a planned cruise speed of 84 KTS. The total endurance of the [aircraft] is 3 hours and 20 minutes. Enroute; I checked the METAR at my destination to find that the winds were 200 at 11 [KTS]; gusting to 17 [KTS]. The maximum crosswind component for the [aircraft] is 15 MPH. Upon arrival; I noticed a little less that 1/2 tank in my left wing tank and what appeared to be an empty right tank. I proceeded to ZZZ to attempt a landing. After two attempts where the wind was apparently exceeding the crosswind component on short final; I departed without ever touching down on the runway. I then contacted Approach and asked for vectors to another airport that had a runway more aligned with the wind. The Controller suggested ZZZ1 and I proceeded direct. As I proceeded to ZZZ1; I noticed that there was no longer any fuel showing in the left sight gauge. About a minute later; the engine sputtered to a stop and I advised Approach that I had an engine failure. They asked about the nature of the failure and if I wanted to declare an emergency. I said I think that I had run out of fuel and that; yes; I did want to declare an emergency. At that point; I set the airplane up at the best glide speed of 60 MPH and applied Carburetor Heat. I identified a field that I could glide to and set up for an approach into the wind. I set up for a three point; full stall landing and was able to make the field. Just prior to touch down; the aircraft impacted a wire fence. After clearing the fence; the aircraft came to a stop in the field; upright on its landing gear. I immediately called Approach and advised them that I had landed safely (I did not get a response; probably due to the fact I was on the ground). I shut off the magnetos and the master switch and exited the airplane. In conclusion; I clearly missed the fact that the fuel cap was not properly secured on the left fuel tank.




Synopsis: LSA pilot reports running out of fuel due to the left fuel tank cap not being secured properly during a fuel stop and the crosswind at the destination being too strong; requiring a diversion to an alternate.