RJ85, en-route, north of Tampere Finland 2009

RJ85, en-route, north of Tampere Finland 2009

Summary

On 17 December 2009, a Blue 1 Avro RJ85 experienced progressive fuel starvation during continued flight after the crew had failed to carry out the QRH drill for an abnormal fuel system indication caused by fuel icing. Although hindsight was able to confirm that complete fuel starvation had not been likely, a failure to recognise the risk to fuel system function arising from routine operations in very cold conditions was identified by the subsequent investigation.

Description

On 17 December 2009, an Avro RJ85 being operated by Blue 1 on a scheduled domestic passenger flight at night from Vaasa to Hesinki was climbing above FL200 when the first of a succession of fuel feed warnings was annunciated. Contrary to the applicable Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) drill, the flight was completed as planned without actual fuel starvation occurring.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the Finnish Safety Investigation Authority. Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data was recovered and successfully downloaded but the relevant Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data had been overwritten because the related CB was not tripped after the flight. It was noted that both pilots were similarly experienced on the aircraft type and that the aircraft commander had been PF for the incident flight. It was also noted that the temperature on the day of the occurrence was cold, with surface temperatures of -23°C at Vaasa and -14°C at Helsinki.

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