The bulletin
Text extracted from the PDF.
SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Aircraft Certification Service Washington, DC
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
CE-06-06 October 27, 2005 http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/SAIB This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin advises you, registered owners and operators of Aircraft equipped with steel fuel tanks, of possible contamination from rust forming inside the tank(s).
Background
Accident investigations indicate that steel fuel tank contamination from rust can lead to engine failure, resulting in a forced landing or accident. Rust sediment can block internal screens or fittings associated with the fuel tank.
Rust may form in improperly drained fuel tanks when water particles build up in the tank. Water ingress can be from condensation or improperly maintained fuel caps and fuel cap seals.
Recommendation
We recommend that certified maintenance personnel:
1. Inspect for the presence of rust sediment from steel fuel tanks during 100-hour or annual inspections. If the presence of rust sediment is found in fuel system components, such as filters, then this indicates possible internal fuel tank contamination. Do a detailed inspection of the internal portion of the fuel tank.
2. If rust is present in the internal portion of the fuel tank, then repair or replace the fuel tank.
3. Inspect all associated plumbing and fuel components for contamination and proper operation. Inspect fuel caps and fuel cap seals for condition and operation and replace as necessary.
Verify proper operation of all fuel tank drains. Repair or replace any defective drains.
For Further Information Contact
Barry Ballenger, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Continued Operational Safety Branch (ACE-
113), Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust Street, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4152; fax: (816) 329-4090; e-mail: barry.ballenger@faa.gov