HS 125 Series 700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 48; Flight Crew Total 12262; Flight Crew Type 2653
Other / Unknown; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
I had just finished recording the engine trend monitoring check and was beginning to verify our FMS arrival information; when the pilot in command told me that there was a slight fuel imbalance between the left and right main fuel tanks. He said he was going to transfer some fuel from the right main fuel tank to the left main fuel tank. I acknowledged his statement. About ten seconds later; the right (#2) engine lost power. I confirmed with the pilot in command that the right engine had lost power. I reported we had a 'right fuel low pressure' warning light. We agreed I would place the fuel 'cross feed/transfer' handle in the 'cross feed' position and turn both boost pumps on (the right pump had been turned off for fuel transferring). Once completed; we agreed to perform an 'Immediate Engine Relight Check.' The immediate relight was not successful. I informed Center we had an engine problem and requested a descent to FL240. Center cleared us to FL240 and a vector to the southwest. The pilot in command and I agreed to perform an 'engine shut down check.' Once below FL300 we would try a 'starter assisted relight check.' The pilot in command and I agreed we needed to divert. Center agreed to provide vectors to a divert airport. Performing the 'engine shut down check;' I found the 'low pressure fuel cock (valve)' handle in the shut position. I informed the pilot in command of my findings. He informed me he did not remember moving the 'low pressure fuel cock handle.' Passing through FL270; we had a successful 'starter assist relight' of the right (#2) engine. We decided to continue for landing; so we could verify the operation of the 'right low pressure fuel cock detent.'Findings: 1) The 'right low pressure fuel cock detent' operated normally. 2) During the 'fuel transfer;' I did not remember seeing the illumination of the 'WINGFUEL XFD/TFR (cross feed/transfer) light. This light; normally; is pulsing when fuel is being transferred between main tanks. 3) When I moved the 'cross feed/transfer' handle into the 'cross feed' position; I believe I moved it 'down;' out of the normal 'off' position into the 'cross feed' position. If the handle had been in the 'transfer' position; I would have pulled the handle up into the 'cross feed' position.Conclusion: 1) I believe the pilot in command was in a hurry to transfer the fuel and did not identify and verify the movement and operation of the fuel transfer valve. 2) I was distracted with navigation duties and should have stopped to verify the fuel transfer. 3) Our S.O.P.; for fuel 'cross feed I transfer' has now changed. A) Both pilots will identify and verify the position and operation; anytime; the fuel 'cross feed/transfer' valve is moved. B) Anytime fuel is being transferred; one pilot will continually monitor the transfer progress until it is complete.
HS125 First Officer describes an inadvertent in flight engine shut down when the Captain attempts to balance the fuel at FL360. The initial relight attempt is unsuccessful and during the shut down check the low pressure fuel cock is found in the off position.