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What happened?
A loadmaster and three assistants were refuelling two helicopters with Jet A-1 drum fuel.
After refuelling, both helicopters departed for their work locations.
15 minutes after departure, a worker realised that the helicopters had been inadvertently fuelled with Jet A-1 waste fuel (recently tested fuel samples).
Both helicopters were contacted and able to land safely.
On inspection there was no evidence of contamination in the helicopters’ fuel and both could return to normal service.
At the main base, the refuelling pump filter was removed, checked, and confirmed as clear of contamination.
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Why did it happen?
Waste fuel was inadvertently used to refuel the helicopters.
- Fuel and waste drums were not adequately labelled or separated to prevent misidentification.
- The bund where the fuel drums were located also contained a drum used to decant waste Jet A-1 fuel (recently tested samples).
Bulk fuel was prescribed and should have been used, not drum fuel.
- Drum fuel was only supposed to be used for initial activities – not for longer term use.
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What did they learn?
Drums should be clearly marked to differentiate between different types of fuel and separated to avoid misidentification.
Drum refuelling is only recommended for short duration or light usage.
Drum refuelling is an inappropriate method of refuelling due to a higher risk of fuel contamination and human error.
Bulk refuelling systems should be used to reduce likelihood of contamination and reduce human error.
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Ask yourself or your crew
What could have happened?
What are the dangers of using waste fuel instead of Jet A-1?
Why do you think they used drum fuel instead of bulk fuel?
How can you ensure you are using the right fuel when refuelling?
What measures do we have in place to prevent this from happening here? How can we improve?
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Published on 27/11/20
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A loadmaster and three assistants were refuelling two helicopters with Jet-A1 drum fuel. They mistakenly refuelled from a drum containing waste fuel, located on the same bund.
