Mobil offers compensation over contaminated fuel incident

Airline Industry Information, Dec 29, 1999

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

After the discovery of contaminated fuel in one light aircraft, the Australian Aviation Safety Authority issued an airworthiness directive on 24 December banning all piston-engined light aircraft from flying so they could be checked for the fuel.

The ban has created anger amongst light aircraft flyers who have had their Christmas plans disrupted. Several are apparently considering legal action.

Mobil, who is apparently responsible for the fuel (avgas) has said that it had located the likely source of the contamination.

The contaminated fuel had been traced to Mobil`s Altona refinery in Melbourne, Victoria and specifically batches of avgas sold from 24 November. Mobil announced on 27 December that it would reimburse people who had to remove and replace fuel or who have had their aircraft inspected for the contaminated fuel. Mobil also indicated that it is currently working with a team of international fuel experts to develop tests that can detect the small amounts of contaminants contained in the fuel.

Meanwhile, a CASA spokesperson said that light aircraft operators must follow safety procedures when removing fuel because `there is a high explosive risk during defuelling of aircraft` and he particularly warned against people using their mouths to start fuel syphoning due to the carcinogenic properties of the fuel.

CASA has stated that it will be working with Mobil in the New Year to check the company`s procedures according to the Australian Associated Press.

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