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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 22, 1988 · De Havilland DHC-8-101/102 DHC-8-101/ · N804MX

Dothan, AL

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Incident
Date
April 22, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (24 uninjured)
Location
Dothan, AL
Aircraft
De Havilland DHC-8-101/102 DHC-8-101/
Tail Number
N804MX
Operator
Eastern Metro Express
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
ATL88IA146

DURING CRUISE FLIGHT AT 12,000 FT, THE FLIGHT CREW OF THE DHC-8 OBSERVED A LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT. ABOUT FIVE SECONDS LATER, THE RIGHT ENGINE FIRE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. FIRE WAS CONFIRMED AND THE EXTINGUISHER DISCHARGED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BUT FLARED UP AGAIN, WHEREUPON THE SECOND BOTTLE WAS FIRED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND A LANDING COMPLETED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. INSPECTION REVEALED BROKEN OIL LINES TO THE NUMBER 6 & 7 BEARINGS. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED FAILED LOW PRESSURE TURBINE BLADES DUE TO INTERNAL CORROSION. NEW SOLID BLADES ARE UNDER ENGINEERING EVALUATION ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER.

Full Narrative

DURING CRUISE FLIGHT AT 12,000 FT, THE FLIGHT CREW OF THE DHC-8 OBSERVED A LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT. ABOUT FIVE SECONDS LATER, THE RIGHT ENGINE FIRE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. FIRE WAS CONFIRMED AND THE EXTINGUISHER DISCHARGED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BUT FLARED UP AGAIN, WHEREUPON THE SECOND BOTTLE WAS FIRED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND A LANDING COMPLETED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. INSPECTION REVEALED BROKEN OIL LINES TO THE NUMBER 6 & 7 BEARINGS. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED FAILED LOW PRESSURE TURBINE BLADES DUE TO INTERNAL CORROSION. NEW SOLID BLADES ARE UNDER ENGINEERING EVALUATION ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time15:35 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDe Havilland DHC-8-101/102 DHC-8-101/
Tail NumberN804MX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorEastern Metro Express
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PW120A · Turboprop · 2000
Seats40

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (24 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured24
Total24
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 11 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data