Fuel Tank Frustrations

Right fuel tank cracked at top seam. Tank was replaced. Operator noticed a very loud oil canning sound from right wing after shutdown following a one-hour flight. Investigation revealed a partial blockage of the fuel tank vent, causing oil canning of fuel tank due to vacuum in fuel tank. Vent line was cleared and vented cap was replaced with new.

Key Takeaways:

• Aircraft fuel tanks are prone to structural failures such as cracks, leaks, corrosion, and "oil canning" deformation, often caused by age, material integrity issues, or environmental factors like trapped water.
• Critical fuel flow disruptions, including engine power loss or complete failure, can result from blocked fuel tank vents, unidentified obstructions, or contaminants from disintegrating internal components like fuel floats.
• These incidents demonstrate diverse vulnerabilities within fuel systems across various aircraft types, emphasizing the importance of diligent inspection and maintenance.

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