It is Memorial Day weekend, the threshold to the busy summer season. The weather is getting better, the ramp activity is picking up. We are into the second week of training for our seasonal staff. One of the senior ramp agents come to me and says "I just put 26 gallons of jet fuel into a commander". This aircraft just happens to run on 100LL. This was my first time dealing with this type of situation. The captain of the aircraft happened to be sitting in the plane, stepped out and said "Your not putting Jet-A in there are you". Well the answer was YES. The captain was also the mechanic and knew the procedure to get the aircraft clean of the Jet fuel and up and running with out any major problems. The engines were not cycled so the fuel was not Introduced to the engine. The aircraft was out of service for about 4 hours and lost no flight time. The Captain/Mechanic lost his free time getting the aircraft back in service, he did bill the FBO for his time.
How did this happen? What were the contributing factors?
This is a very Interesting story and shows how a good day can turn bad quickly.
The fuel order was made by the captain, the product type was never stated. The order was printed for Jet-A and signed by the Captain.
The order was then passed on to a seasonal line Service Technician. The Jet-A refueler was positioned in front of the aircraft. The seasonal agent followed all the procedures correctly and was ready to begin the fueling when suddenly he realized the nozzle would not fit into the fueling port. The fueling effort was stopped and the situation was brought to the full-time ramp agents attention. You must be thinking "This doesn't sound so bad, they are doing what they should" right??? WRONG!!
The full-time agent told the seasonal agent to "GET A FUNNEL". While waiting for the funnel a leatherman was pushed into the tank and the fueling began. Yes, 26 gallons of Jet fuel.
In 1991 Advisor Circular 20-122A was published, "ANTI-MISFUELING DEVICES"
(The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and GAMA are cooperating in an additional effort which will significantly mitigate the chances of misfueling. Fuel tank filler openings in reciprocating engine-powered aircraft may be equipped with pilot-installed adapter rings reducing the opening size from 3" to 2.3" in diameter. Jet or turbine engine fuel nozzle assemblies will be equipped with spouts with a minimum diameter of 2.6", thereby reducing the probability of introducing jet or turbine engine fuel nozzles into the filler openings of aircraft requiring gasoline.)
Contributing Factors to this event:
(1)Fuel Order not Reviewed by Captain
(2) Busy Ramp
(3) First Report of Refueler Nozzle not Fitting Into Tank Should Have Tipped Off the Experienced Agent that Something Was Wrong.
(4) Aircraft Wing Had a Product Type Label, Refueler Put His Hand on it to Balance Himself on the Ladder.
This type of event could happen to anyone. There has been alot of time and effort put in to avoid these situations. Review your fuel orders, be familiar with the aircraft that utilize your FBO. If there is any doubt about the services required, ask your supervisor.
Be Safe, Don't Just Go Through The Motions!!
How did this happen? What were the contributing factors?
This is a very Interesting story and shows how a good day can turn bad quickly.
The fuel order was made by the captain, the product type was never stated. The order was printed for Jet-A and signed by the Captain.
The order was then passed on to a seasonal line Service Technician. The Jet-A refueler was positioned in front of the aircraft. The seasonal agent followed all the procedures correctly and was ready to begin the fueling when suddenly he realized the nozzle would not fit into the fueling port. The fueling effort was stopped and the situation was brought to the full-time ramp agents attention. You must be thinking "This doesn't sound so bad, they are doing what they should" right??? WRONG!!
The full-time agent told the seasonal agent to "GET A FUNNEL". While waiting for the funnel a leatherman was pushed into the tank and the fueling began. Yes, 26 gallons of Jet fuel.
In 1991 Advisor Circular 20-122A was published, "ANTI-MISFUELING DEVICES"
(The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and GAMA are cooperating in an additional effort which will significantly mitigate the chances of misfueling. Fuel tank filler openings in reciprocating engine-powered aircraft may be equipped with pilot-installed adapter rings reducing the opening size from 3" to 2.3" in diameter. Jet or turbine engine fuel nozzle assemblies will be equipped with spouts with a minimum diameter of 2.6", thereby reducing the probability of introducing jet or turbine engine fuel nozzles into the filler openings of aircraft requiring gasoline.)
Contributing Factors to this event:
(1)Fuel Order not Reviewed by Captain
(2) Busy Ramp
(3) First Report of Refueler Nozzle not Fitting Into Tank Should Have Tipped Off the Experienced Agent that Something Was Wrong.
(4) Aircraft Wing Had a Product Type Label, Refueler Put His Hand on it to Balance Himself on the Ladder.
This type of event could happen to anyone. There has been alot of time and effort put in to avoid these situations. Review your fuel orders, be familiar with the aircraft that utilize your FBO. If there is any doubt about the services required, ask your supervisor.
Be Safe, Don't Just Go Through The Motions!!
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