CASA Media Release - 24 December 1999
Mandatory inspection for fuel contamination
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is requiring the mandatory inspection of most piston engine aircraft for fuel contamination.
CASA has issued an Airworthiness Directive requiring the inspections following the discovery of contaminated Avgas 100/130 from the Mobil Altona refinery in Victoria.
The fuel has been distributed by Mobil and BP throughout Victoria, NSW and most of Queensland since November 24.
The contaminated fuel causes a sticky black substance to be deposited in aircraft fuel systems, affecting fuel delivery and engine performance. A number of aircraft have lost power due to the fuel contamination.
The Airworthiness Directive requires aircraft owners and operators to:
- review aircraft records to determine if the suspect 100/130 Avgas (green) fuel has been used
- if the fuel has been used remove and inspect all fuel filters
- if the filters contain sticky black deposits the fuel system must be cleaned
- if the engine does not run smoothly the fuel system must be dismantled to clean and repair
- repeat inspections until no further evidence of contamination is found
- report problems to CASA and send samples to Mobil for further tests.
Mobil and BP are continuing to work to identify the cause of the contamination.
Mobil is cleaning the suspect fuel from its tanks and systems and will provide written evidence when their fuel is certified as clean. In the meantime contaminated Mobil Avgas 100/130 has been withdrawn from sale.
CASA's Director of Aviation safety, Mick Toller, says the fuel contamination problem has unavoidably disrupted aviation in many parts of Australia.
"This is unfortunate as it will disrupt the Christmas holiday travel plans for many people who want to fly privately or use small charter aircraft," Mr Toller says. "But the action CASA has taken is essential to protect aviation safety."
Full details of the Airworthiness Directive are available on the CASA website (AD/General/77 ) or from a fax back telephone service. The number for faxback is 1800 657 990, use a touch tone telephone to key in the number 100.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: ME9961PR