Braking with suspected fuel leak.

[Bluebird]

In regard to the investigation of a BA 777 incident which occurred at LHR in June 2004. When a fuel leak was reported to the crew just after take off, from another aircraft on the runway.

"The report says the BA crew elected to dump fuel and return, correctly deducing there was a fuel leak from the centre-wing fuel tank. They landed with minimal braking and emergency services in attendance to reduce the chance of fire induced by fuel contacting the brakes. There were no injuries to the 15 crew and 151 passenger" (Flight International, March 2007)

I looked in my 757/767 QRH under the long checklist "Fuel leak" there is no mention of using minimal braking if possible, but it clearly states that landing at the nearest suitable airport is required.

Is this a Boeing procedure or just good thinking of the BA crew?

[McAero]

there was a fuel leak from the centre-wing fuel tank

I thought the 777 had 2 wing tanks, and a center fuel tank........

Never heard of a center wing fuel tank myself....

[Phil Hudson]

Is this a Boeing procedure or just good thinking of the BA crew?

Not Boeing procedure as far as i know, but a good thing to do yes.
You dont want fuel leaking down at hot brakes, fuel coming from the center tank could leak down at the main landing gear and start a fire during landing and rollout.

[Rainboe]

I thought the 777 had 2 wing tanks, and a center fuel tank........

Never heard of a center wing fuel tank myself....

Well he's quite right McAero, it is usually referred to as the centre-wing fuel tank. The wing is a single carry-though structure, so it's really regarded as one piece, with the bit in the middle, which happens to be in the fuselage, containing a fuel tank, hence the moniker centre-wing fuel tank, so now you have heard it, right?

[McAero]

so now you have heard it, right?

No need for that. I was only saying I'd never heard it being referred to as the centre-wing tank, having read copious descriptions of the 777 fuel system.

[oceancrosser]

On most aircraft, I fly 757/767 and it certainly applies to them, if you leave the brakes until at speeds less than 100kts or even better less than 80 kts, the heat buildup is very little.

[McAero]

I've only ever heard the term wing tank or center tank (FCOM, Boeing fuel system data and ATM's). I'm not disputing the fact that the center-wing tank term is used in the industry also.
However, every day's an education
Anyway, we're diverging from the original post and I feel that I've unfairly hijacked it....


Edited to say that I've just looked at the 777 maintenance manual and the correct description is of the center tank being in the "center-wing section". No reference to the center-wing tank - just main tanks, and center. Pheeew!