B737 flight crew reported they noticed a fuel imbalance on the Multi Function Display during climbout and confirmed fuel leak coming from the left engine. Flight crew continued to destination and landed.
Synopsis
B737 flight crew reported they noticed a fuel imbalance on the Multi Function Display during climbout and confirmed fuel leak coming from the left engine. Flight crew continued to destination and landed.
Narrative
While climbing through FL250 I noticed the yellow fuel imbalance on the mfd. I then observed the fuel quantity decreasing at about .01lbs per second which prompted me to let the FO know we might have a fuel leak. I handed over the airplane and radio to the First Officer and pulled out the fuel leak checklist. Prior to starting the checklist we agreed it'd be best to return to ZZZ; the FO asked Center for vectors back to ZZZ for a suspected fuel leak. Center gave us a heading a descent which the FO promptly followed. I then started the fuel leak checklist while in the descent. Reading over the condition statements of the checklist; it asked if the fuel was decreasing at an abnormally fast rate. I returned my focus to the fuel gauge where I noted the fuel burn indications returned to normal. I asked the FO to confirm my observation and he agreed it was no longer burning at an abnormally fast rate. We asked ZZZ for a level off at FL190 to see if we could duplicate; the Fast Fuel burn. They approved us to level off at FL190 and the rapid fuel burn returned when the power advanced; the FO and I confirmed with each other the fuel burn was significantly faster than the right tank. The FAs then called asking if the WiFi was working; I told them I'm not sure and informed them of the situation. I asked them to see if they noticed any streaks off the left engine or wing. They responded; they couldn't see anything but said it was hard to see outside since it was dark. The FO and I agreed that we did indeed have a fuel leak and opted to continued the descent. I returned to the QRH; following the steps for a fuel leak which led us to shutting down the engine. I thought shutting down the engine would increase the risk versus keeping it running since the left tank fuel burn in the descent seemed normal. To confirm my assumptions; I conferenced with Maintenance Control and dispatch. Maintenance Control agreed to keep the engine running since indications were normal. I then briefed the FAs and made a PA to the passengers. We landed uneventfully and taxied to the Gate.
Second reporter narrative
When climbing to FL310 captain notice a fuel imbalance. I requested to level off and we leveled at FL250. At that time we noticed the fuel on the left side significantly decrease faster than the right. Captain gave me the aircraft and the radios. Captain decided we should turn back to ZZZ and I agreed. I requested vectors back and center asked if we re [requesting priority handling] and we did. We began a descent and When we leveled off at FL 190 we noticed the fuel again begin to decrease on the left side quickly. Also the Using fuel message showed on the FMC. We ran the appropriate checklist and during the descent saw a normal change in the fuel burn and at lower power settings. We got vectors for the ILS XXC approach and had the crash fire and rescue meet us off Taxiway 1. They followed us to the Gate and the taxi back and shut down was uneventful.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.