2025-06 · NASA ASRS report 2256252
DA-40 Flight Instructor and student reported a possible fuel leak during a training flight. The flight diverted and found fuel leaking from under the engine.
Started up the aircraft with 25g indicated; 11 LH; 14 RH. Did a quick fuel transfer on the run-up pad; balanced tanks to 12 LH; 13 RH. We departed RWY XX; and headed out to ZZZZZ to do the CFI EOC (End of Course) flight. Performed most of the maneuvers; so power settings constantly changed; but primarily set at 55% load. We ran a few fuel transfers in flight; keeping up with our cruise checklist; then at 6500' MSL; we began a steep spiral over ZZZ. When setting up for this maneuver; we started to notice how much fuel we had burned/lost for such a short flight. I began the steep spiral; which was when my instructor decided to pop open the window to check for anything abnormal. We noticed a strong fuel smell; continued the steep spiral into landing; and made it a full stop to the ramp. When we hopped out of the plane; fuel was pouring out of the pipe beneath the engine. It was a very constant state flow; similar to a hose. When we turned the plane off; we had 4 LH; 6 RH; and realized that we lost 15g of fuel in 1.6 flight. We got a bucket; ZZZ cleaned up the ramp; and the instructor called maintenance; the operations manager; and Dispatch; and we came home.
Excessive fuel leak during maneuvering; decided to land and park once we smelled fuel during maneuver. Exited aircraft and noticed large amount of fuel leaking out of the drain pipe under aircraft. Started flight with. 25 gals; ended with 11 once we returned to ZZZ ramp.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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