January 17, 2007

MD80 Fire Handle Precautions

A recent event occurred on an MD80 aircraft where a massive fuel spill developed while maintenance was being performed on the fuel control system.

The fuel control was being replaced and had been removed awaiting the replacement. The associated fire handle had been pulled in accordance with maintenance manual precautions. When the fire handle is pulled out this also closes the respective pneumatic crossfeed valve handle.

Sometime between the removal of the old fuel control and the installation of the new one the APU was started for an unrelated reason. After the APU was started the decision was made to turn on the packs. The pneumatic crossfeed valve associated with the pulled fire handle was raised to the open position to provide air to the pack. Sometime thereafter it was discovered that a large amount of fuel had been pumped onto the ramp through the fuel supply line to the removed fuel control.

When a fire handle on an MD80 is pulled, raising the respective pneumatic crossfeed valve lever to the open position will push the fire handle back in and open the fuel shutoff valve.

Therefore effective immediately, anytime a fire handle is pulled on an MD80 aircraft in accordance with maintenance manual precautions, you must also tag the respective pneumatic crossfeed valve to ensure that it is not inadvertently raised to the open position.

If you have any questions about this, feel free to contact me.

Max Seefluth

MD80 Fleet Manager, Tech Services

918-292-3992