Thursday, November 29, 2012

Virgin Australia fuel imbalance Final Report

Virgin Australia fuel imbalance Final Report
The ATSB has released a final report on the fuel imbalance on April 15 2012

The ATSB reported that the Virgin 738 VH-VOL was climbing out of OOL when the crew noticed that both engines were supplied from the right hand engine wing tank creating a fuel imbalance between the left and right hand tank.The crew executed a fuel leak check list but found there was no leak.The crew was unable to verify however that fuel off the left hand tank would remain available once the centre pumps would be needed to be turned off they decided to divert to Brisbane for a safe landing on runway 19.

The ATSB reported that prior to departure a delay had occurred requiring extended ground operation of the aircraft.To prevent the fuel imbalance the cross feed valve had been selected open.Prior to the flight was selected closed again in preparation to the flight.

Due to the history as described above the cross feed valve was removed  from the aircraft and sent for examination,which confirmed wear consistent with a fuel leak through the valve.

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