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An air ambulance pilot reports that number 1 and number 2 engine fuel filter caution lights had illuminated continuously on separate occasions during cruise flight on a eurocopter ec-135 helicopter resulting in an air turnback. Fuel contamination suspected even though fuel samples taken regularly at every shift change.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1118607 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201309 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1201-1800 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.Airport |
| State Reference | US |
| Environment | |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | EC135 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 135 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Engine Fuel Filter |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Pilot Flying Captain |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Commercial |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue |
Narrative:
Engine number 2; fuel filter caution light illuminated during cruise. [Previous] night pilot experienced the same indication on engine number 1 the evening prior. Had number 1 [engine] fuel filter replaced this morning; which fixed that problem (no visible contamination found; though). Now the same indication on the other engine within 90 minutes of flight time. Engine number 1 total time (T/T) is 2894+33; engine number 2 total time is 5218+34; so it is unlikely that both fuel filters are the same age and wear out within this short time frame in between each other. Suspecting fuel contamination. Fuel samples taken regularly at every shift change; no discrepancies noted. No suggestions. Part-135 revenue flight. Flight nurse and medic on board. Fuel filter light illuminated continuously. Air turnback and precautionary landing.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: An Air Ambulance pilot reports that Number 1 and Number 2 Engine Fuel Filter caution lights had illuminated continuously on separate occasions during cruise flight on a Eurocopter EC-135 helicopter resulting in an air turnback. Fuel contamination suspected even though fuel samples taken regularly at every shift change.
Narrative: Engine Number 2; Fuel Filter caution light illuminated during cruise. [Previous] night pilot experienced the same indication on Engine Number 1 the evening prior. Had Number 1 [Engine] Fuel Filter replaced this morning; which fixed that problem (no visible contamination found; though). Now the same indication on the other engine within 90 minutes of flight time. Engine Number 1 Total Time (T/T) is 2894+33; Engine Number 2 Total Time is 5218+34; so it is unlikely that both fuel filters are the same age and wear out within this short time frame in between each other. Suspecting fuel contamination. Fuel samples taken regularly at every shift change; no discrepancies noted. No suggestions. Part-135 revenue flight. Flight Nurse and Medic on board. Fuel filter light illuminated continuously. Air turnback and precautionary landing.
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.