Incident Overview
An aircraft on a ferry flight was configured with an auxiliary fuel tank installed in the fuselage to increase its range. While transferring fuel from the auxiliary tank to the main wing tank, the fuel pressure became excessive, causing the wing tank to rupture.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that the fuel quantity gauge was providing inaccurate readings. After the rupture, the pilot encountered some difficulty in controlling the aircraft's flight controls. Despite these challenges, the pilot was able to land the aircraft without further incident.
Fuel System Assessment
The wing tank vent system was not adequate to handle the excessive fuel being supplied by the auxiliary tank. This inadequacy led to the pressure buildup that resulted in the wing tank rupture. No other mechanical or system issues were reported.
The aircraft was on a ferry flight, which typically involves repositioning the aircraft without passengers or cargo. The auxiliary fuel tank was installed specifically to extend the aircraft's range for this flight. No information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or location.