Katerina Swanson
Water contamination in Cessna fuel tanks is a serious issue that has affected several Cessna models, including the 100, 200, and 300 series. Cessna has issued recommendations to help pilots check for water in their fuel tank systems, as water contamination can lead to engine failure and accidents. While some pilots have reported no issues with water in their fuel, others have experienced engine stoppages and contaminated fuel incidents. To address this issue, Cessna recommends that pilots inspect their fuel for contaminants, use raised umbrella-style fuel filler caps, and take precautions to prevent water from entering the fuel tank system. Additionally, pilots should check for water, cloudiness, haze, and proper fuel type before every flight, starting from the highest drain location and moving downward.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How water enters the fuel tank | Water may enter the fuel tank via any penetration in the wing fuel tank or through the fuel caps. |
| How to identify water in the fuel tank | Water in the fuel may appear as a cloudy or hazy appearance in the sampler cup, or as a blob, pea, or BB-shaped translucent mass found at the bottom of the sampler cup. |
| How to prevent water from entering the fuel tank | Use raised, umbrella-style fuel filler caps and take precautions to prevent water from entering the fuel tank from external sources such as washing, rain, snow, or sleet. |
| How to remove water from the fuel tank | Drain the fuel tank, lower the tail to redistribute the water, then re-drain. Rock the wings to move any additional water to the drain points. |
| Fuel tank system components | Fuel drain valves, wing tanks, manifold tanks, selector valves, shut-off valves, strainers, low points, fuel filler caps, fuel vent system. |
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What You'll Learn
Check for water, cloudiness, haze, and odour
Checking for water, cloudiness, haze, and odour in a Cessna fuel tank is a vital part of a pilot's pre-flight checklist. Cessna Aircraft Co. has released guidance for pilots of the Cessna Model 100, 200, and 300 series aircraft, which includes nine recommendations.
Firstly, pilots should check that their fuel tank system is equipped with fuel drain valves at all permissible drain locations, including wing tanks, manifold tanks, selector valves, shut-off valves, strainers, and low points. It is important to note that not all Cessna models have the same number, type, and location of drains, so pilots should familiarise themselves with their specific model.
To check for water and other contaminants, pilots should start at the highest drain location and move downward, draining at least one cup of fuel from each location into a clear sampler cup. Water in the fuel may appear as a blob, pea, or BB-shaped translucent mass at the bottom of the cup, or it may cause the fuel to appear cloudy or hazy. If any contamination is detected, pilots should sump all locations and take repeated samples until the contamination is removed. If contaminants are still present, do not fly the airplane, and have qualified maintenance personnel drain and purge the fuel tank system.
In addition to checking for water, pilots should also be aware of other signs of contamination, such as odour or changes in the fuel's clarity or colour. For example, 100LL fuel is typically light blue in tint, while jet fuel is clear or yellowish.
Taking these precautions is essential to ensure the safety of the flight and prevent accidents or incidents due to water-contaminated fuel.
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Use a clear sampler cup to check for water
Water in a Cessna fuel tank can have serious consequences, so it's important to check for it before every flight. Cessna recommends that pilots start at the highest drain location and move downward, checking all sump locations. Drain at least one cup of fuel from each location using a clear sampler cup.
Clear sampler cups are designed specifically for use on aircraft fitted with flush-mount fuel drain valves. They are made of high-impact clear plastic so that pilots can visually inspect their fuel for water and debris. Water in the fuel may settle and make its way to a drain location in the form of a blob, pea, or BB-shaped translucent mass found at the bottom of the sampler cup. Water suspended in the fuel may also lead to a cloudy or hazy appearance in the cup.
If water is detected in the fuel tank system, thoroughly drain all drain locations and take further samples until the fuel appears clear. Gently rock the wings and lower the tail to the ground, or raise and lower the tail on tail draggers. It's important to take the time to properly check all drain locations, as there is no single point of drainage that can be used to check for all fuel system contaminants simultaneously.
In addition to using a clear sampler cup, there are other ways to check for water in your fuel. Pouring a small amount of fuel on dry pavement will cause water to bead up in droplets due to surface tension. If the sample is all water, it will form a distinct puddle, whereas aviation fuel will continue to spread. Another method is to pour a small amount of fuel onto your finger. Aviation fuel evaporates in seconds, whereas water evaporates more slowly.
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Ensure the fuel tank has drain valves
It is important to ensure that your Cessna's fuel tank system is equipped with fuel drain valves at all permissible drain locations. This includes wing tanks, manifold tanks, selector valves, shut-off valves, strainers, and low points. The number, type, and location of drains may vary from model to model, even within the same series of airplanes. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with all the drain locations specific to your Cessna model.
Cessna has released a special airworthiness information bulletin with nine recommendations to help pilots of Cessna Model 100, 200, and 300 series aircraft better check for water in their fuel tank systems. One of the key recommendations is to ensure that the fuel system is equipped with fuel drain valves in all drain locations.
The bulletin emphasises that there is no single point of drainage that can be used to check for all fuel system contaminants simultaneously. Therefore, it is important to take the time to properly check all drain locations every time. Starting at the highest drain location, move downward, checking all sump locations and draining at least one cup of fuel from each location before every flight.
In addition to checking for water, also look for clarity, cloudiness, haze, proper fuel type/grade, odour, or other contaminants. If any contamination is detected, thoroughly drain all drain locations again. Take repeated samples from all drain locations until all contamination has been removed. If contaminants are still present, do not fly the airplane. Have qualified maintenance personnel drain and purge the fuel tank system, removing all evidence of contamination prior to further flight.
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Check for water before every flight
Checking for water in the fuel tank of a Cessna aircraft is a critical pre-flight safety measure. Cessna pilots should be aware of the potential for water contamination in their fuel tanks and take the necessary steps to ensure safe operations. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for checking for water before every flight:
Firstly, it is essential to understand that water may enter the fuel tank system through various means, including penetration in the wing fuel tank or condensation. Cessna Aircraft Co. has acknowledged that all pilots should "assume some water exists in the fuel tank system." Therefore, it is imperative to inspect the fuel for water and other contaminants before every flight.
Secondly, ensure that your Cessna aircraft is equipped with raised, umbrella-style fuel filler caps. These caps are designed to prevent water ingress and are recommended by both Cessna and the FAA. Check that the fuel vent system configuration is appropriate for the selected fuel cap to avoid issues like reduced fuel flow or engine failure.
Prior to every flight, start at the highest drain location and work your way down, checking all permissible drain locations for contaminants. These locations include wing tanks, manifold tanks, selector valves, shut-off valves, strainers, and low points. Drain at least one cup of fuel from each drain location using a clear sampler cup.
Examine the drained fuel for any signs of water or other contaminants. Water in the fuel may manifest as a cloudy or hazy appearance in the sampler cup. It could also appear as a small, clear droplet at the bottom of the fuel strainer or a translucent mass in the sampler cup. If any contamination is detected, follow the necessary procedures to address it.
In the case of water contamination, thoroughly drain all drain locations again. Gently rock the wings and lower the tail to the ground to move any additional contaminants to the drain points. Take repeated samples from all drain locations until all contamination has been removed. If contaminants persist, do not fly the aircraft. Instead, engage qualified maintenance personnel to drain and purge the fuel tank system, ensuring that all evidence of contamination is eliminated before the next flight.
By diligently following these procedures, Cessna pilots can help ensure safe operations and mitigate the risks associated with water contamination in their fuel tanks.
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Use raised, umbrella-style fuel filler caps
Cessna Aircraft Co. has released a special airworthiness information bulletin with nine recommendations to help pilots of Cessna model 100, 200, and 300 series aircraft better check for water in their fuel tank systems. One of the bulletin's recommendations is to use raised, umbrella-style fuel filler caps to prevent water ingress.
The use of raised, umbrella-style fuel filler caps is important because it helps to prevent water from entering the fuel tank in the first place. Water can enter the fuel tank system through any penetration in the wing fuel tank. If water does enter the fuel tank, it can be very difficult to remove all of it.
The bulletin also emphasizes that there is no single point of drainage that can be used to check for all fuel system contaminants simultaneously. Pilots should take the time to properly check all drain locations before every flight, even if refueling has not occurred. This includes checking for water, clarity, cloudiness, haze, proper fuel type/grade, odor, or other contaminants.
In addition to using raised, umbrella-style fuel filler caps, pilots should also take all necessary precautions to prevent water from entering the fuel tank system from internal or external sources. This includes taking precautions during washing, and protecting against rain, snow, and sleet.
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Frequently asked questions
Check your fuel tank system to ensure it is equipped with raised, umbrella-style fuel filler caps to prevent water from entering the tank. Check for water, cloudiness, haze, proper fuel type, or other contaminants.
Water suspended in the fuel may lead to a cloudy or hazy appearance in the sampler cup. Water in the fuel may settle and make its way to a drain location in the form of a blob, pea, or BB-shaped translucent mass found at the bottom of the sampler cup.
If any contamination is detected, thoroughly drain all drain locations. Take further samples until the fuel appears clear, and gently rock the wings and lower the tail to the ground to move any additional contaminants to the drain points.
Water may enter the fuel tank system via any penetration in the wing fuel tank. Water can also enter the tank due to faulty fuel caps.
Use raised, umbrella-style fuel filler caps to prevent water ingress. Avoid using plastic caps as they are subject to warping, cracking, and leaking.
