A-96-175
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Require the development of & implementation of design or operational changes that will preclude the operation of transport-category airplanes with explosive fuel-air mixtures in the fuel tanks: (b) pending implementation of design modifications, require modifications in operational procedures to reduce the potential for explosive fuel-air mixtures in the fuel tanks of transport-category aircraft. In the B-747, consideration should be given to refueling the center wing fuel tank (CWT) before flight whenever possible from cooler ground fuel tanks, proper monitoring & management of the cwt fuel temperature, & maintaining an appropriate minimum fuel quantity in the CWT. (Urgent)
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The Federal Aviation Administration is asked to require design or operational changes to prevent explosive fuel-air mixtures in transport-category airplane fuel tanks. As an interim step, it should also mandate procedural changes to reduce such risks, including specific measures for the Boeing 747 such as refueling the center wing tank from cooler ground fuel before flight, monitoring its fuel temperature, and keeping a minimum fuel quantity.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Unacceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Nov 15, 2005 |
| NTSB number | DCA96MA070 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).