UPS Freighter Returns to Sydney After Fuel Leak Mid-Flight

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 15, 2024 21:30 PMNews
Share:
a jet flying in the sky
a jet flying in the sky. Source: unsplash

A recent UPS Airlines flight between Sydney and Shenzhen was forced to return to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport after encountering a fuel leak. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 13, shortly after the flight, carrying three crew members, had departed Sydney at 19:36. The almost 25-year-old Boeing 767-300F(ER), registered as N331UP, was at 34,000 feet over the Culgoa Floodplain National Park when the pilot decided to turn back. The aircraft landed safely in Sydney 65 minutes after departure.

Incident Details

Flight 5X-152 was scheduled to fly from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), with an estimated arrival time of 02:57 the following day. The aircraft, which holds serial number 27757 and is powered by two General Electric CF6-80C2B6F engines, was delivered new to UPS on September 9, 1999. According to Flightradar24, the affected plane remained on the apron overnight and resumed operations the following day, departing Sydney at 20:22 for Incheon International Airport (ICN) near Seoul, South Korea, without further incident.

UPS Airlines Overview

UPS Airlines, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is a major American cargo carrier. It operates extensively from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), known as UPS Worldport, one of the busiest cargo airports in the United States. Since its inception as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the United Parcel Service in 1988, UPS Airlines has grown to fly to 815 destinations worldwide. The carrier operates a hub-and-spoke model with a 5.2 million-square-foot facility in Louisville and additional hubs in Canada, China, England, Germany, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.

Understanding Fuel Leaks

An aircraft’s fuel tank is crucial for maintaining flight, similar to how lungs are essential for breathing. A fuel leak can cause the aircraft to run out of fuel mid-flight, leading to potential engine failure and fatal accidents. Airline staff must conduct thorough inspections and maintenance of fuel tanks while on the ground to prevent such occurrences. Fuel leaks are among the more common mechanical diversions in aviation, necessitating immediate attention and action to ensure safety.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM