On December 9, 2016, a CESSNA, 152 was involved in an aviation accident near Lotnisko EPBK, PL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Damage and contamination of one of the filters in the fuel tanker. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL).
During a pre-flight inspection of a Cessna 152 at EPBK, fuel contamination with a greasy substance was found. Checks of the supplying tanker revealed a damaged filter, leading to halting of refueling and corrective actions.
Incident Summary
On 9 December 2016, during a pre-flight inspection before a flying day at EPBK (Lotnisko EPBK), personnel discovered fuel contamination in a Cessna 152. A sample taken from the aircraft's fuel sumps showed the presence of a greasy substance. Refueling from the tanker that had supplied the contaminated fuel was immediately stopped.
Investigation Findings
An inspection of the fuel tanker and its documentation was carried out. One of the metal filters in the tanker's delivery line was found to be contaminated and had a broken filter mesh.
Cause
The incident was caused by damage and contamination of one of the filters in the fuel tanker.
Preventive Actions
The operator took several preventive actions: analysis of fuel samples from the tanker with the damaged filter; replacement of the damaged filter; installation of an additional 30 μm filter with a gel water separator in the tanker's dispensing system; cleaning of the tanker; repeated monitoring and verification of fuel cleanliness after the filter replacement; and removal and cleaning of the aircraft's fuel tanks.
Probable cause
Damage and contamination of one of the filters in the fuel tanker.