Quote:
Originally Posted by Stig Jarlevik
Thanks Leendert
Interesting feedback. But wasn't the regular way to use up first the fuel in the drop tank (even if you never dropped it) and then the fuel you had in your wings (or fuselage)?
If so, then he must have forgotten to do so right after take off.
Cheers
Stig
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There are various reasons for a "fuel shortage", it doesn't have to mean that there wasn't fuel in the tanks. The fuel pump may have failed or the carb may have had a problem or it may have been pilot error as well, who knows?
Not sure on the specifics of the Spitfire fuel system, but on some aircraft the fuel in the drop tank is pumped into the main tanks as the main tanks burn down, others can feed fuel directly from drop tank to engine.
In most (if not all) aircraft, takeoff is accomplished on Main Tanks even when carrying drop tanks, Aux tanks, etc..
And the "while in circuit" doesn't give you much time to troubleshoot the problem.