A reminder of the continued problems with the glass tube, fine mesh fuel filter.
Whilst on a return leg from a flight to Kemble last week l experienced a higher
than normal fuel flow reading on my trigear G-IPOD (912S). Between way points
Booker and Elstree l had a 6th sense feeling that the engine sound was
'different',
although RPM, MY etc were OK. I was at 1900 on 1018 with 25MP and 4950
RPM. Upon contact with Elstree Info the 912S ran rough (instantly gaining 100%
of my attention). I called for an immediate clearance inbound for 08
(conveniently
at 3 miles on the nose with an Easterly wind).
Normal checks - mags both, boost pump on, switch reserve feed.
An 'interesting' S approach with a heavy sideslip late final got us down a tad
fast on 08. The fire truck was manned and ready and gave us a 'follow me'
service
to the apron.
Extensive run up on the ramp (up to 4500 RPM only gave no sign of any roughness
(main or reserve).
Upon gaining telephone advice from Bob Boyt (superstar), l stripped out the carb
balancing tubes (no leaks) and then attacked the fuel filter (cleaned about
25 hrs beforehand). The filter was full of black sh_t, visible green lumps.
Cabair provided a few tools (thank you) and in an hour or so l had a clean
filter
installed.
Lessons:
1. Check the filter every 5-10 hours.
2. Use the RESERVE fuel feed, it probably prevented a stoppage (Ref AAIB G-FELL
incident).
3. Training - PFL and EFATO drills work, practice them regularly. I forgot to
put the prop into Fine for the landing - hence the extra 5+ kts of airspeed.
The really weird thing - a week beforehand, whilst on holiday, l dreamed
(nightmare?)
of exactly this scenario. A premonition brought on by the reading of several
AAIB accident reports. Very timely.
Happy and safe landings.
John
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