Final Report DH8D (VH-QOE), en-route, south of Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, 16 March 2020

Final Report DH8D (VH-QOE), en-route, south of Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, 16 March 2020

Publication info
Author
AIC (Papua New Guinea)
Category
Accident Reports Non Combustion-related Fumes Airworthiness Human Factors
Date of publication
21/09/2021
Date for review
19/01/2050

On 16 March 2020, a PW150A-powered Bombardier DHC8-400 crew declared a PAN and turned back to Port Moresby after abnormal fumes and (much later) some visible ‘smoke’ which had become apparent after takeoff began to intensify causing some passengers breathing difficulties. Once clear of the landing runway, a precautionary rapid disembarkation was completed. The Investigation found that the source of the smoke/fumes was oil leaking from a failed right engine bearing seal. The failure was found to have occurred ahead of the recommended inspection interval for the seal concerned, a risk which engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada was aware of.   

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