Flight Instructor and student reported; while taxiing for departure; a fuel leak which resulted in return to FBO.
Synopsis
Flight Instructor and student reported; while taxiing for departure; a fuel leak which resulted in return to FBO.
Narrative
At around XA:30 local; I was holding short of [runway]. Given a clearance to lineup and wait. As student pilot taxied onto [runway]; I did a final look over of aircraft. I noticed a fuel leak off the right wing and a large wet spot where we were holding short. I hadn't noticed this prior to this point. At that point; I took controls and asked Tower for taxi clearance back to the ramp. I was given a canceled T/O clearance; taxi ahead to [taxiway] 1 and hold short of 2. Switched to Ground and was asked if I needed assistance. I stated no; just taxi back to ramp for a small fuel drip. Told not to taxi with a fuel leak and to shut down. Eventually; an airport authority truck came by to inspect; told ATC it was minimal; and I was given clearance to start up and taxi back. Several vehicles were deployed and many aircraft were rerouted as [taxiways] were shutdown. On a separate note; I forgot to switch on all lights when crossing [runway] on the way back in. I did complete a visual check and check on map. Made it a teaching moment for student. Always remember to stay focused and calm during tense situations so that nothing small is missed. Not sure what could have been done to prevent fuel issue. With regards to forgetting to turn on lights during runway crossing; always remain calm during tense situations.
Second reporter narrative
As my CFI; and I were waiting to enter the runway to take a refresher flight; CFI noticed a large puddle of fuel underneath the right wing of the plane. We proceeded to notify ATC of the issue and requested to taxi back to the ramp. We were then instructed to cross the runway; going from taxiway to taxiway. ATC then requested a truck to come to our location to see how severe the leak was; and if it was safe enough to taxi back to. While waiting for a truck to arrive; we noticed another puddle forming under the right wing again; showing the issue had not stopped. The truck arrived; and then told ATC the leak was minimal enough to proceed. Once we were back at we gave the plane to Maintenance. They were unable to immediately identify the issue; but told us they would continue to look into the problem. My CFI and I logged this event in the records.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.