A serious fuel spill at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport on October 11, 2025, involved an American Eagle CRJ900 aircraft and a Menzies Aviation ground worker. The incident sent jet fuel spraying across the tarmac for over a minute before it was stopped.
Worker Loses Control of Refueling Hose
The spill began when the worker disconnected a high-pressure refueling hose without shutting off the pump. Fuel gushed uncontrollably, covering the aircraft and ramp area. No one was injured, but the event raised major safety concerns at the airport.
Safety Mechanism Suspected to Have Failed
Preliminary reports show the “deadman switch,” a safety control that stops fuel flow when released, may not have worked properly. Video footage shows the worker being hit by fuel before managing to shut down the system. Investigators are examining whether the switch was bypassed or malfunctioned.
Fuel Contained and Cleanup Completed
The airport’s containment system absorbed the spilled fuel effectively. Cleanup crews followed safety procedures and cleared the site soon after. Officials have not yet confirmed how much fuel was spilled during the incident.
Regulatory Concerns Over Refueling Protocols
Experts believe a mix of human error and equipment failure led to the spill. If the safety switch was indeed bypassed, it would breach FAA Part 139 and NFPA 407 regulations, which govern safe refueling at US airports.
Joint Investigation Underway
DFW Airport, American Airlines, and Menzies Aviation have started joint investigations. The review focuses on staff training, equipment checks, and emergency procedures to prevent similar incidents. Though flight operations continued normally, the case highlights the critical need for strict refueling discipline.
