Fuel spill. This happens, this is known to happen and is a well documented with 'advice', precautions, rules and procedures. The situation described above begs three questions (a) was the pilot made aware; or, (b) was the pilot not made aware and (c) is it sensible to put the cockpit cover on during re-fuel operations?
a) Pilot not made aware – this, standing alone is as serious as it gets. On 'hard' open surfaces the fuel will evaporate, but in nooks, crannies and soft furnishings, it tends to hang around a bit longer. Sure, 'size' matters but some would say any amount fuel floating about in a cockpit is a risk worthy of some consideration.
Irrespective, would not a non aware pilot question what was 'aflame', passing strange that a cockpit seat self immolates, even stranger no smell, smoke or flames, even stranger that the passenger is still calmly sitting strapped in with flames leaping about his arse. Then our pilot opts for a neck or nothing landing in the nearest available paddock. Curiouser and curiouser.
b) Pilot aware – Ok, so Bloggs decides that an egg cup of fuel, on a seat is 'something nothing'. Not even worth worrying about the damage to the upholstery, or that the passengers will be parked in a puddle of petrol.
Irrespective, an aware pilot would probably understand the nature of the passengers discomfort and concerns; no doubt wishing, most devoutly, that the small amount of time required to throw a jacket, towel or glad bag over the seat would have been well spent; even if just to prevent being sued for marinating sensitive anatomical areas. No fire there sir, but - you're nuts are now raisins.
From little acorns, mighty oak trees grow; from a simple routine fuel spill to accident. Fuel spills are preventable, covering the tiger's cockpit is not rocket science, reporting and acting are easily do-able. The rest – I'll leave to your fertile imaginations.
But was the Tiger to blame?–Statistically speaking, I'll bet a cold beer that was the first prang ever caused by pickled eggs.....
