by Robert Petersen

Sometimes the distinction between comedy and calamity is a very fine one; sometimes whether you view something as amusing or sobering depends on your point of view. Here's one that provides something to think about.

The Captain of an air carrier flight diverted to an alternate airport due to weather and encountered confusion after landing -- with some unusual consequences.

The Captain's Story

• "We were directed to [a] hard stand to await a gate slot and had [the] right engine operating. [We] required about 20 minutes of wait time for other aircraft to move before I settled into my spot on the ramp ... I was advised by Operations that my gate would be vacant in approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Apparently, more than just refueling re-dispatch was in order; but, I was not aware of the plans for disposition of the aircraft, crew, or passengers at this point. I elected to keep the right engine running for the short wait on the ramp. We were [then] cleared by Ground to taxi. We did so, and when clear of the other aircraft ... I taxied to [the] gate.
  
  "While taxiing, my eye caught the fuel quantity gauges as I was concerned about my burn while on the ground. I was surprised to note the quantity was almost 10,000 pounds higher than when I parked. I assumed a system malfunction and had the First Officer check A/B systems -- both read the same. Since the aircraft did taxi a bit heavier than when I [had] parked, I realized that we had been fueled while I was parked -- with 95 passengers on board, no cockpit contact, and all doors closed. I don't normally sit glued to the fuel gauges while parked, and no other indication of the event was obvious. I was totally unaware of the event, not having been advised to expect refueling....
  
  "What is even worse, the truck was connected and pumping fuel when we taxied. The fueler managed to emergency release the hose just [before] ... reaching the end of the reel."

The One That Got Away

Reading this report evokes the humorous image of a fuel truck racing along behind the taxiing airliner still connected by a length of hose -- the airliner destined to become "the one that got away." But the Captain didn't think it was so funny:

• "Normally I would execute a left turn out of this spot to parking. If I had done this, the outcome probably would have been much different.... Somebody dropped the ball here. I do have a right to know what is going on with my aircraft!"

We must give the fueler credit: he didn't panic and run, but disconnected the fuel hose before disaster struck. The Captain subsequently discovered that " ... the fueler was [apparently] employed by a ... firm ... [that] was contracted by my company to help out with the [work] overload from the diversions." (And therefore was likely not completely familiar with the air carrier company procedures -- Editor.)

Getting the Message

Why hadn't the fueler contacted the flight crew before fueling? There are a number of possible reasons -- total confusion on the ramp because of the number of aircraft; the fueler did not realize the engine was running; was not aware of special procedures for fueling with passengers on board; assumed the Captain was aware his aircraft would be fueled; rushing to keep up with the task at hand. Regardless of the causes and factors involved, there existed a large opportunity for disaster; fortune dealt kindly with all involved -- this time.

We could say more about the need for proper coordination between the dispatch office and the cockpit, and the need for adequate training of ground personnel, but this narrative speaks eloquently enough by itself.