View Full Version : Air Niugini fuel venting after Take Off
Brisbane Times article here (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/plane-lost-fuel-after-takeoff-20090713-di3a.html)
Plane 'lost fuel after takeoff'
Daniel Hurst
July 13, 2009 - 12:01PM
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has demanded an explanation from Air Niugini after one of its planes began losing fuel after takeoff.
The Fokker 100 made an emergency landing in Cairns on Friday when the leak was noticed soon after becoming airborne.
About 50 people were on their way to Port Moresby aboard flight PX093 when the incident occurred. They flew out on the same plane later that afternoon after maintenance work was completed.
An ATSB spokesman said today the bureau had requested more information from the airline about the incident as it currently had only basic details.
"We have asked what was wrong and what was done to fix it," he said.
The ATSB would then decide whether to launch a formal safety probe.
A decision could be made as soon as today.
Whoops, looks like someone forgot to turn off the refuelling panel!
Capt Claret
13th Jul 2009, 08:55
Whoops, looks like someone forgot to turn off the refuelling panel!
Haven't flown a single point refuelling aircraft yet, where leaving the panel open would cause fuel to vent. :hmm:
mootyman
13th Jul 2009, 14:09
Are you sure about that claret?
oil additive
15th Jul 2009, 04:24
The wing tank overflow valves can remain open after fuelling pressure is removed. Supposed to check that they are closed prior to turning panel power OFF, then pull them down manually if you have to.
No saying that this was the cause, but it may have been??
You've been fokkerised :ok: :}
mootyman
15th Jul 2009, 13:06
Nope try again
Capt Claret
15th Jul 2009, 19:59
mootyman
Yep, positive.
Your question did make me read the original comment again, and I admit that I miss read it as panel closed, as opposed to panel turned off. :ugh: :}
MadFokker
16th Jul 2009, 09:34
Oil Additive
Certainly a partially open overflow valve would cause some fuel loss and misting, the spectacular fuel spillage of the subject report arises from a different failure mode......finger trouble.
If the fuelling control panel power remains on, the wing tank Fuelling Shut off Valve solenoids are deenergised. During CWT fuel transfer pump ops this will cause fuel pressure to build up in the servo line to the wing tank overflow valves causing them to open and allow the fuel spillage during T/O and climb.
Usually caused by closing the access panel for the fuelling control panel and relying on its nylon baulk to turn the fuel control panel off. Sometimes it doesnt work.
This known problem has been addressed via SED and SB action but the fix is to use your fingers to physically operate the power sw and observe that the panel does indeed power down; before you close the access panel.
Learnt the hard way a few years back......:\
7mile
17th Jul 2009, 00:12
From todays "National"
PX crews to fuel craft from Cairns
AIR Niugini will now be responsible for refuelling all its Fokker 100 aircraft operating out of Cairns, Australia, effective from Tuesday, according to a media release.
The airline has re-authorised its refuelling crews to handle its F100 fleet.
Air Niugini has approved the resumption of the duty after carrying out a review on the procedures by its fuel crews in Cairns, after the venting of fuel on one of its Fokker 100 aircraft operating out of Cairns airport last Friday.
The aircraft, which was bound for Port Moresby, had to return to Cairns as a result of the problem.
A full investigation is being carried out by Air Niugini’s flight safety department and an independent external investigator.
For now, only Air Niugini crews will refuel its Fokker 100 aircraft operating out of Cairns.
Just out of curiosity, does a minor incident like this end up with an ATSB report?
Cravenmorehead
19th Jul 2009, 10:38
Definitely.
lordofthewings
19th Jul 2009, 10:45
ATSB, no..CASA report yeah, some operators wouldnt bother. Is it a safety issue, sure we could argue it for weeks.
Che cows with guns
20th Jul 2009, 00:29
You are right CASA for sure; ATSB maybe depends on CASA. I think it depends on whether they deem it neccessary.
What about the environmental issue Kero being dumped all over the North Cairns precinct, Shheeezzz
kam16
20th Jul 2009, 07:19
I can assure you a report went to ATSB..