B757-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 16050
Time Pressure; Troubleshooting; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
En-route we noticed a fuel imbalance of approximately 1;400 LBS low on left side. We balanced the fuel and continued. We noticed fuel imbalance starting again (low on left side). We ran engine fuel leak procedure and asked deadheading Captain to check evidence of fuel leak. He was unable to verify a leak. We declared an emergency and diverted to an en route airport. We were in an idle descent until final approach and did not notice additional increase in the imbalance at that time. We landed on Runway 01L and shut down left engine after clearing the runway. The Airfield Rescue and Firefighter crew said they saw evidence of a fuel leak and we pulled left fire handle. After cleared from Airfield Rescue and Firefighter crew we taxied to remote parking and deplaned the passengers.
We were in an idle descent from altitude until final approach with no further increase in the imbalance. We landed on 01L and were met by the Airfield Rescue and Firefighter crews. I shut down the left engine as soon as we turned off the runway. The Airfield Rescue and Firefighter crew said there was evidence of a leak and I pulled the left fire handle at that time.
Because of a recurring fuel imbalance a B757-200 crew discovered that the left engine apparently developed a fuel leak in flight. An emergency was declared and the flight diverted to an enroute airport.