Thread: Fuel Leak Right Wing Root

I discovered what seems to be a fuel leak in the vicinity of the right wing root. I have a trail of stick yellow residue that begins at the aft end of the wing root gap tape and extends to the empennage. It does not have a fuel odor. During my last flight of 2 hrs there were about 5 gallons of fuel unaccounted for. Also, there is no odor in the cockpit. I have contacted FD and also Roger Lee.
Roger thinks it may be gap tape adhesive, but it seems like too much residue and no sign of the tape peeling away. Has anyone had a similar experience?

Additional picture

It is fuel and adhesive mixed to together. This is what it looks like and feels like. The tape won't pull away. Those are fuel stains and most likely coming from the fitting on the bulk head where the fuel line connects. I have fixed at least 4-5 of these including my own.

Had the same thing on my 2007 CT. Leaking at the fuel fitting in the wing root. Roger fixed both of mine a couple months ago, and no problems since.

Thanks Roger!

Eric
Copper City Aviation Services

Have the same issue on my 2007 CTSW. Right wing root. Have tightened the fitting to the extent I can get to it - access is limited so it may still be a bit loose (?) - but still seeps about one drop every 24 hours...I have to keep a paper towel "wick" in the wing gap between flights or I find the seepage has stained down the pax side window.

This particular leak needs to have the wing pulled out about 12". Take the nut off the fitting and use the same sealant as the bulkhead gasket gets, then tighten it back up. I usually wait 12-24 hrs before re-fueling.

Thanks Roger. We have our 100 hour coming up in a couple of months and will be bringing it over to you. Another item for the punch list!

Hi John,

If the plane has enough hours on it or is at or past its second annual we can pull both wings and sign them off for the wing inspection and then it won't have to be done again for 600 hours.

Afternoon Roger.

This will be its second annual. It will have about 280 hours on it at the 100 hour/annual. Sounds like a plan.

Roger,
I requested information about the foam in our wing and the possible effect of exposure to fuel containing alcohol. I contacted the tech dept of a company that sells the same foam product used in the wing of the CT. I wanted to be sure that the sticky yellow residue was not from the wing structure. I received the following reply:

Rohacell is NOT resistant to alkaline media, glacial acetic acid, methyl alcohol, soda solutions (5%) and Tetrhydrofuran and has limited resistance to Debutyl phthalate.

My CTLS is in the shop now to repair the source of the leak and residue. I provided my mechanic with copies of everyone's thoughtful replies on this forum.

Doug