Fuel Leak During Refueling at Warsaw Chopin Airport

Casualties unknown • Gdańsk (EPGD), PL

A fuel leak was discovered in the left wing of an Embraer Phenom 100 during an automated refueling process at Warsaw Chopin Airport.

What happened

On March 16, 2016, an Embraer - 500 Phenom 100 was undergoing an automated refueling process with JET A1 fuel at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPGD). During the refueling operation, personnel noticed fuel leaking from the aircraft's left wing. The refueling process was immediately halted, and the airport's operational duty officer was notified of the incident.

Airport fire services were dispatched to the scene to manage the spill. The emergency response team successfully neutralized a fuel spill covering approximately 20 square meters using chemical agents. Once the containment and neutralization efforts were completed, the parking stand was cleaned and cleared for use.

The investigation

The investigation focused on identifying the source of the leak and the subsequent repairs. According to information provided by the aircraft operator, the leak originated from a malfunction within the fuel system of the left wing. During a subsequent inspection of the aircraft, the damaged float-type fuel level sensor was identified and replaced.

Findings

  • The incident was caused by a malfunction of the float-type fuel level sensor located in the left wing fuel tank.

Probable cause

A failure in the float-type fuel level sensor within the left wing tank caused the fuel leak during refueling.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-03-16 Embraer - 500 Phenom 100 accident near Gdańsk (EPGD), PL?

A fuel leak was discovered in the left wing of an Embraer Phenom 100 during an automated refueling process at Warsaw Chopin Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-03-16 involved a Embraer - 500 Phenom 100, at Gdańsk (EPGD), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A failure in the float-type fuel level sensor within the left wing tank caused the fuel leak during refueling.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2016-0418/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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