Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Time Pressure; Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
While enroute; I noticed landing fuel as displayed on Multi-Function Display (MFD) was decreasing at a rapid rate. FO and I estimated it was showing a loss of approximately 50 LBS per minute. Fuel flow on both engines was slightly higher than normal at 2;200 PPH. At one point; landing fuel indicated 1;300 LBS on landing. Fuel total in Flight Management System (FMS) equaled fuel amount indicated on fuel page. We were approximately 180 miles from our filed destination when first discovered.We contacted ATC to coordinate modified descent profile into our filed destination to preserve fuel and obtained direct routing. Notified ATC that we had a possible fuel leak. With direct routing; landing fuel indicated 2;600 LBS; right at reserve. Initially; leaving; landing fuel indicated 4;400 LBS. Approximately 1;800 LBS was lost enroute. We had stronger than forecast tail winds and flew on profile.On landing; trucks were standing by to view aircraft in case there was a leak. Once parked in remote area; FAs and several passengers reported fuel fumes in cabin. I investigated and smelled the fumes as well; FO agreed. Passengers were deplaned and bussed to [the] terminal without incident.Could not duplicate leak condition on ground other than strong fumes in cabin after high power turn. Aircraft signed off and [ferried] to a maintenance base without incident.
While enroute; a CRJ-900 crew thought fuel was decreasing more rapidly than expected and assumed a fuel leak. After landing a fuel odor was detected; but no leak discovered so the aircraft was ferried to a maintenance station.