MD-82
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
Uncontrollable fuel imbalance. Just after leveling off at cruise altitude with both main tanks full and fuel in the center tank with all fuel tank pumps on; we started to notice a fuel imbalance in the mains with the right tank low. The right main tank fuel appeared to be transferring fuel into the center tank. We went to the QRH and could only get the imbalance stabilized but could not stop fuel from transferring. We diverted [to nearest suitable airport] and landed with 1;400 lb imbalance in the main tanks with the right tank low.
MD-82 F/O reported an uncontrollable fuel balance issue at level off. Flight diverted to nearest suitable airport.