An md-11 alerted TNK3 fuel qty lo level 1 which resulted in a trapped fuel alert. Following manual f...

Attributes
ACN	1246513
Time
Date	201503
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.ARTCC
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	MD-11
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Cruise Descent
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Fuel Distribution System
Person 1
Function	Pilot Flying First Officer
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Person 2
Function	Pilot Not Flying Captain
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue

Narrative:

While in cruise approximately 20 NM prior to top of descent; we received a 'TANK3 fuel qty lo' level 1 alert with fuel quantities of 6700/6700/6700. As per QRH; we managed our fuel situation by manually transferring fuel to from tank 1 to tank 3. After transferring 1000 pounds of fuel from tank 1 to tank 3; we received a 'TNK3 tip trapped' level 1 alert. At this time; our fuel quantity indications were 5800/6700/7100 with 5100 pounds now trapped in the right outboard (#3) fuel tank. We then cross-fed the #3 engine from TNK2. We proceeded directly to the ILS final. As we descended through 13;000 feet; the system that allows fuel to transfer to from the tip tank to the main tank unstuck and the systems became normal. We opted to leave the fuel system controller in manual and not change any configuration. Upon acquiring the field visually; we proceeded directly the final approach fix on the ILS and landed uneventfully. Crash search and rescue (crash fire rescue equipment) vehicles followed us to the gate.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An MD-11 alerted TNK3 FUEL QTY LO level 1 which resulted in a trapped fuel alert. Following manual fuel transfers in the descent for landing; the system returned to normal with all fuel usable.

Narrative: While in cruise approximately 20 NM prior to top of descent; we received a 'TANK3 FUEL QTY LO' Level 1 alert with fuel quantities of 6700/6700/6700. As per QRH; we managed our fuel situation by manually transferring fuel to from Tank 1 to Tank 3. After transferring 1000 pounds of fuel from Tank 1 to Tank 3; we received a 'TNK3 TIP TRAPPED' Level 1 alert. At this time; our fuel quantity indications were 5800/6700/7100 with 5100 pounds now trapped in the right outboard (#3) fuel tank. We then cross-fed the #3 engine from TNK2. We proceeded directly to the ILS final. As we descended through 13;000 feet; the system that allows fuel to transfer to from the tip tank to the main tank unstuck and the systems became normal. We opted to leave the Fuel System Controller in Manual and not change any configuration. Upon acquiring the field visually; we proceeded directly the final approach fix on the ILS and landed uneventfully. Crash search and Rescue (CFR) vehicles followed us to the gate.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

An md-11 alerted TNK3 fuel qty lo level 1 which resulted in a trapped fuel alert. Following manual fuel transfers in the descent for landing; the system returned to normal with all fuel usable.