# Travel >> Transportation >> Small Aircraft

How to Get Something You Dropped Into a Cub Cadet Gas Tank Out

The Piper Cub Cadet is a popular bush aircraft known as a "taildragger." This means the aircraft has a wheel on the back end used in landing and takeoffs. The Cadet houses fuel in the wings. Should something happen to fall into one of the fuel tanks, you have to act quickly to get it out or it may lead to fuel contamination that leads to the engine creating a very dangerous condition with the aircraft. Only certified aircraft mechanics are allowed to work on the tanks or engines, beyond trying to get the item out of the tank.

Instructions

- 1
  Step up onto the door platforms--the metal lips at the edge of the doors--to reach the top of the Cadet's wings. Unscrew the fuel tank caps.
- 2
  Dip the fuel gauge stick into the tank directly down from the cap. Feel for the loose item. If possible, try to loop the item onto the gas gauge stick. Gently pull the item up and out.
- 3
  Push the aircraft into the hanger or bring in a certified mechanic if you cannot get the object out. The mechanic will remove the airframe from the wing tank to get the item out of the tank and then run a test to check the engine and all fuel lines. You must have a certified FAA aircraft mechanic run these checks and do the tank work.