Narrative:

After engine start a odor of raw fuel was apparent on the flight deck. This odor dissipated during taxi. After discussing the situation with the first officer we departed. In cruise flight I checked the logbook for any previous items concerning fuel odor. I noted that the aircraft had been grounded and repaired for a fuel leak and had been ferried back to base the previous day. While we were willing to continue; I felt it prudent to inform maintenance control via ACARS of the odor after engine start. We were directed to return shortly thereafter. Upon arrival we were met by maintenance personnel and a flight attendant supervisor. I completed an air quality report and reviewed the incident with the maintenance supervisor. A preliminary inspection showed fuel seepage into one of the air conditioning bays with raw fuel probably entering one or both a/C packs. I later was told that this aircraft had had similar issues earlier in the month requiring a repair prior to the previous days maintenance. The first officer and I noted some slight lightheadedness as did one or two of the flight attendants. No symptoms were significant enough for any of the crew to seek medical attention. In retrospect; even though I have occasionally noticed a fuel odor after engine start; I will return to the gate should this situation occur again.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B757 Captain experiences a strong fuel smell after engine start; which dissipates during taxi and the crew departs. In cruise the Captain discovers that the aircraft has a history of fuel leaks and decides to inform Maintenance of the fuel odors after engine start. Maintenance directs the crew to return for maintenance.

Narrative: After engine start a odor of raw fuel was apparent on the flight deck. This odor dissipated during taxi. After discussing the situation with the First Officer we departed. In cruise flight I checked the logbook for any previous items concerning fuel odor. I noted that the aircraft had been grounded and repaired for a fuel leak and had been ferried back to base the previous day. While we were willing to continue; I felt it prudent to inform Maintenance Control via ACARS of the odor after engine start. We were directed to return shortly thereafter. Upon arrival we were met by maintenance personnel and a Flight Attendant supervisor. I completed an Air Quality Report and reviewed the incident with the maintenance supervisor. A preliminary inspection showed fuel seepage into one of the air conditioning bays with raw fuel probably entering one or both A/C packs. I later was told that this aircraft had had similar issues earlier in the month requiring a repair prior to the previous days maintenance. The First Officer and I noted some slight lightheadedness as did one or two of the Flight Attendants. No symptoms were significant enough for any of the crew to seek medical attention. In retrospect; even though I have occasionally noticed a fuel odor after engine start; I will return to the gate should this situation occur again.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.