Maintenance Inspection Authority
Maintenance Inspector 4.5; Maintenance Technician 10
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Company Policy; Human Factors; Procedure
Aircraft came into shop for work. In the course of repairs; kerosene smell was detected in fuel tanks; suspected Jet A contamination within the Avgas. Sent out a sample from the aircraft and also a sample directly from the fuel farm going into a brand new red plastic fuel container; had analyzed for levels of Jet A contamination.Aircraft came back 1.76% contaminated with Jet A. Fuel farm sample came back with 1.96% contamination. Reported findings to Airport and [fuel company]; was denied any claim or responsibility.Customer now requires teardown inspection per Lycoming SB. We have several other customers that appear to also have been affected.
Contacted reporter regarding this incident. The reporter mentioned that he heard of several other instances at this airport where the fuel used on non-turbined powered aircaft smelled like Jet-A. He also said the Aero-shell company has refused to take any action regarding this incident and has stated that the process used to collect the suspect fuel and have it tested by a lab was not done properly even though the aircraft owner used a brand new fuel container to collect the fuel directly from the aircraft fuel tank as well as the fuel dispenser at the fuel farm. The engine on the subject aircaft was torn down and inspected in accordance with the Lycoming Service Bulletin which requires that to be done if Jet-A fuel contamination is suspected. No damage was found however.
Mechanic reported finding Avgas contamination with Jet A and reported it to both the Airport and Fuel Company.