What are the regulations regarding a fuel leak on the ground with PAX still onboard?
Hi All,
I haven't posted in a very long time, I'm curious to know if there are any rules regarding leaving passengers on board an aircraft if the aircraft is leaking (I mean pouring out of the wing) fuel whilst on the ground. The reason being my wife and kids were due to fly back from the US on Tuesday night on a 747-400. The flight never took off as the leak happened whilst the aircraft was taxiing to the runway.
The aircraft taxiied out and was about to enter the runway when the aircraft came to an abrupt halt and fuel was seen pouring from the port wing. The aircraft remained stationary for about 20 mins and the passengers were informed that there was a fuel leak.
The aircraft then taxiied back to the apron but not up to the gate, and firecrews etc... arrived outside of the aircraft. The passengers were informed that they needed to stay in their seats with their seat belts on whilst they tried to resolve the issue. Meanwhile a large puddle of fuel was developing beneath the port wing with a circa 5-6m spread. The flight crew and passengers obviously at this point were starting to become somewhat anxious and nervous but had to remain on the aircraft. Passengers were told not to use mobile phones due to the risks.
My wife was then informed by the flight crew that I have to compliment in the way that they looked after the passengers, that they were purging the tank to try and remedy the issue to which a member of the crew said that passengers should not be onboard for and also due to the size of the fuel leak that everyone should be off the aircraft as well.
Once this had been carried out the aircraft once again taxiied out but realising the issue had not been resolved returned to the gate and after further time the passengers where able to disembark the aircraft after over 5 hours sat on the ground.
Does anyone know what the regulations are regarding passengers being onboard an aircraft if there is a fuel leak and if the tanks need to be purged.
Thanks in advance.