On 2 September 2008, at about 0845 Eastern Standard Time (EST), while climbing through flight level 250, en route from Brisbane, Qld to Honiara, Solomon Islands, fuel started venting/leaking from both main wing tanks of the Embraer RJ 190-100 LR, registered VHSXK. The aircraft, with five crew and 40 passengers on board, returned to Brisbane. The fuel venting/leakage was later determined to be the result of a design issue related to maintaining positive air pressure in the fuel surge tanks in the aircraft's wings. The aircraft manufacturer had previously identified the fuel system design issue and has developed a new float vent valve design to eliminate the problem. The design change has been introduced into newly manufactured aircraft and a service bulletin with recommendations to replace the current float vent valve with a redesigned valve will be issued in 2009.
