REX SF34 at Dubbo on Mar 23rd 2017, engine shut down in flight

Last Update: September 18, 2017 / 13:45:44 GMT/Zulu time

Bookmark this article
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Mar 23, 2017

Classification
Incident

Flight number
ZL-821

Aircraft Registration
VH-RXS

Aircraft Type
SAAB 340

ICAO Type Designator
SF34

A REX Regional Express Saab 340B, registration VH-RXS performing flight ZL-821 from Dubbo,NS to Sydney,NS (Australia) with 23 passengers and 3 crew, was climbing out of Dubbo's runway 05 when the crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet due to the failure of the right hand engine (CT7) and returned to Dubbo for a safe landing about 45 minutes after departure.

Passengers reported the engine emitted a bang and streaks of flame.

The ATSB reported the crew observed unusual indications and vibrations from the right hand engine, shut the engine down and returned to Dubbo. The occurrence was rated an incident and is being investigated by the ATSB.

In a note to other accident investigation bodies (but not yet on their website) the ATSB reported that a post flight examination found the stage 4 turbine blades damaged.

On Sep 18th 2017 the ATSB released their final report concluding the probable cause was:

The right engine number four bearing failed, resulting in engine power loss.

The ATSB reported that while climbing through 4300 feet MSL the right hand engine emitted a number of bangs, the aircraft jolted, the master warning activated in the cockpit and the right hand engine instruments showed several warnings. A burning smell was observed. The first officer, pilot flying, identified a right hand engine failure, the crew worked the related memory items and shut the right hand engine down. Following the shut down the smell dissipated. The aircraft subsequently entered a hold while the crew worked other related checklists and returned to Dubbo for a visual approach and landing.

The ATSB reported:

The engine manufacturer conducted an engineering examination of the failed engine, however the examination was not completed in time for the release of this report.

An initial engineering examination found that the number four bearing failed. The bearing failure allowed the high pressure compressor to move off-centreline within the engine. This caused further damage and led to complete failure of the engine.

The damage to the failed bearing was consistent with overheating due to a lack of lubrication. At the time of the release of this report, the reason for the lack of lubrication to the number four bearing had not been determined.
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Mar 23, 2017

Classification
Incident

Flight number
ZL-821

Aircraft Registration
VH-RXS

Aircraft Type
SAAB 340

ICAO Type Designator
SF34

This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source

You can read 2 more free articles without a subscription.

Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!

Are you a subscriber? Login
Subscribe

Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.

Send tip

Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.

Related articles

Newest articles

Subscribe today

Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.

Pick your plan and subscribe

Partner

Blockaviation logo

A new way to document and demonstrate airworthiness compliance and aircraft value. Find out more.

ELITE Logo

ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.

Blue Altitude Logo

Your regulation partner, specialists in aviation safety and compliance; providing training, auditing, and consultancy services. Find out more.

AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American Airlines
United
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways