Dan Cullman
New member
Because I haven't gone on any extended trips in the Cruisemaster in the last couple years, I haven't put any fuel in the aux tank...it remained empty. With fuel prices at relatively low point, I put in 10 gallons before a recent trip.
About 10 minutes into the trip, my daughter, in the back, complained of a burning sensation which continued until the end of the journey. After deplaning, I found her coat and seatback fuel soaked.
I had never smelled any fuel in flight.
I flew out the remaining fuel on the return trip. Further testing revealed pinholes in three locations just
above the welded seam just to the rear of the seatback bottom. There were several areas of corrosion with the pinholes in this area. Further investigation revealed that steel staples or clips used to upholster
the seatback had been in contact with the aluminum tank and caused the corrosion and leaks. I have attempted to remedy the problem in place. We will see how successful I have been, later.
I would caution all Cruisemasters and any Bellanca with a behind the seat aux tank to be wary of this situation.
Dan
About 10 minutes into the trip, my daughter, in the back, complained of a burning sensation which continued until the end of the journey. After deplaning, I found her coat and seatback fuel soaked.
I had never smelled any fuel in flight.
I flew out the remaining fuel on the return trip. Further testing revealed pinholes in three locations just
above the welded seam just to the rear of the seatback bottom. There were several areas of corrosion with the pinholes in this area. Further investigation revealed that steel staples or clips used to upholster
the seatback had been in contact with the aluminum tank and caused the corrosion and leaks. I have attempted to remedy the problem in place. We will see how successful I have been, later.
I would caution all Cruisemasters and any Bellanca with a behind the seat aux tank to be wary of this situation.
Dan
