What happens if a damaged tank in a fuel system is not isolated?

When a damaged tank in a fuel system is not isolated, fuel may leak into the aircraft. This is a critical concern because fuel leaks can lead to hazardous situations, such as potential fires or explosions if the fuel comes into contact with hot surfaces or electrical components. Additionally, a leak could lead to fuel contamination within other areas of the aircraft, which can compromise the overall safety and integrity of the fuel system. Isolation of damaged tanks is essential to prevent such occurrences and to ensure that only the safe and functionally sound parts of the fuel system are engaged in supplying fuel to the engines.

Understanding the implications of a fuel leak emphasizes the importance of rigorous maintenance and inspection practices in aviation, highlighting how critical it is to address any signs of damage to fuel tanks promptly.