Diesel Additive Again Contaminates Jet Fuel

After noting that five incidents of aircraft uncommanded roll events with the ATLAS activated have been reported to EASA and the FAA, the U.S. agency on May 24 issued an airworthiness directive (AD) grounding Cessna CitationJet 525, 525A and 525B models equipped with Tamarack active load alleviation system (ATLAS) winglets. The action is related to an EASA AD and is mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product.

Editorial Staff

Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) continues to contaminate jet fuel at airports, leading to multiple turbine engine failures in aircraft and prompting calls for stricter fuel handling and additive procedures.
The FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive grounding Cessna CitationJets equipped with Tamarack active load alleviation system (ATLAS) winglets due to reports of uncommanded roll events and concerns over the safety of proposed temporary fixes.
The special flight procedures Notam for the 2019 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-In has been released, outlining updated procedures for pilots attending the event from July 21-31.

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As we reported in our October 2018 issue, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is finding its way into the jet fuel dispensed at airports and loaded aboard turbine-powered aircraft. Two events at different airports, one in 2017 and another in 2018, resulted in DEF-contaminated fuel and a special airworthiness information bulletin. Recently, two more jets—both Citation 550s and both flown by the same Punta Gorda, Fla.-based operator—experienced engine failures blamed on DEF contamination.

According to AOPA, the two jets were en route as air ambulances from Naples, Fla., to different destinations when one diverted to Savannah, Ga., and the other to Louisville, Ky. Both jets experienced engine failures before reportedly landing without further difficulty.