A320
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Aircraft; Human Factors
On engine start; the #1 ENG began spilling a large amount of fuel. The aircraft spilled approximately 300 gal over a 1 mile stretch of taxiing. On throttle up for T/O (Take-Off); the leak stopped and allowed the flight to continue without interruption. When the crew got on the ground; the PIC (Pilot in Command) called and reported a 2300lb overburn. I looked at the winds aloft and saw a reported 150kt wind at FL340.  With a large internal overburn and the winds aloft; and no other info regarding the previous leak; I assessed that the fuel burn; while excessively large; was still within the realm of possibility given the circumstances. I told the crew to monitor their fuel burn for the return leg; as there would be a tail wind to help. When the flight arrived in ZZZ; ARFF (Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting) was waiting for the flight. Crew was instructed to taxi to the end of the RWY and shutdown. When the aircraft eventually made it back to a gate; the [Fire] Chief reported the fuel leak; and sent the PIC the pic; who then forwarded it on to [Maintenance Control]; where I was finally able to see it. At no point was the fact that an aircraft was leaking fuel in such fashion; reported to either Dispatch; or ATC to relay to the crew; even though ZZZ Ops had to have known; as ARFF knew that specific tail would be returning to ZZZ; and the approximate time they would arrive.Ensure all ground personnel know to report to flight crew if a fuel leak is suspected on push back/engine start. If unable to notify crew; or suspected after out of communication with flight crew; relay to OPS if a fuel leak is suspected. Furthermore; ensure Dispatch or [Operations Control] is made aware of the issue in order to establish communication with the Flight Crew to better assess the issue. If unable to contact Dispatch or [Operations Control]; contact Station TWR/Cab to relay message to flight crew about possible fuel leaks.
Maintenance Control reported an aircraft experienced a fuel leak causing fuel quantity to drop below flight plan limit.