The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it has revised its Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) regarding jet fuel contaminated with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
According to the FAA, SAFO 18015, Jet Fuel Contaminated with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), has been revised because the administration has identified multiple cases of DEF contamination affecting turbine engine aircraft.
In all cases, the affected aircraft experienced in-flight operational malfunctions, such as uncommanded inflight engine shutdown, resulting in emergency landings, the FAA notes. In these cases, DEF was inadvertently confused with fuel system icing inhibitor (FSII) when servicing refueling vehicles.
Recently, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) offered guidance to mitigate the risk of contaminating jet fuel with DEF.
FBOs and aircraft operators must be diligent in ensuring staff are properly trained and making sure all company policies and procedures are used to prevent possible fuel contamination, NATA officials advise.
