Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 2092; Flight Crew Type 108
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
While we were en route approximately 40 miles southwest of MNATE Intersection at FL300 we noted a fuel tank imbalance and performed the wing fuel balancing procedure. Later we noted that the fuel was imbalanced slightly in the opposite direction and; during the rebalance procedure; both the left and right FUEL PRESS lights illuminated on the annunciator panel. We ran the Low Fuel Pressure Checklist and determined that; as a precaution; we should divert to our point of departure and obtained a clearance to do so. We then discussed what the best options were to get the aircraft on the ground safely. Prior to landing we declared an emergency as a precaution and requested emergency services are present upon landing. We landed uneventfully on 9R and taxied to customs per airport authority request.
[Narrative 2 contained no additional information.]
The flight crew of a P180 elected to declare an emergency and return to their departure airport after noting the illumination of both left and right FUEL PRESS warning lights during a fuel balancing procedure.