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While following the checklist for a possible fuel imbalance the flight crew of a B777 noted it provided only for an actual imbalance or fuel leak; ignoring possible sensor or gauge faults. If the source of the error is a sensor/indicator fault the procedure runs the risk of a self induced actual imbalance.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1109182 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201308 |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | VMC |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | B777 Undifferentiated or Other Model |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Fuel Storage System |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Pilot Flying First Officer |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200 Flight Crew Total 10000 Flight Crew Type 5000 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue |
Narrative:
We had a fuel imbalance and after starting the checklist we noticed that the checklist only assumes that there is a possible fuel leak and/or fuel imbalance. The checklist should also include possible sensor/s failure (contamination) and/or gauge error/malfunction. From previous discussions with maintenance; water contamination effects the sensors; which give an incorrect reading. In many instances this is the cause of imbalance indication [when]; however; there is no actual imbalance. If the checklist is run as stated; a self induced imbalance would be generated.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: While following the checklist for a possible fuel imbalance the flight crew of a B777 noted it provided only for an actual imbalance or fuel leak; ignoring possible sensor or gauge faults. If the source of the error is a sensor/indicator fault the procedure runs the risk of a self induced actual imbalance.
Narrative: We had a fuel imbalance and after starting the checklist we noticed that the checklist only assumes that there is a possible fuel leak and/or fuel imbalance. The checklist should also include possible sensor/s failure (contamination) and/or gauge error/malfunction. From previous discussions with Maintenance; water contamination effects the sensors; which give an incorrect reading. In many instances this is the cause of imbalance indication [when]; however; there is no actual imbalance. If the checklist is run as stated; a self induced imbalance would be generated.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.