DH8C, Darwin NT Australia, 2019

DH8C, Darwin NT Australia, 2019

Summary

On 11 November 2019, one of the two PW100 series engines of a Bombardier DHC8-300 failed catastrophically when takeoff power was set prior to brake release. The Investigation found that the power turbine shaft had fractured in two places and all first and second stage power turbine blades had separated from their disks. The shaft failure was found to have been caused by fatigue cracking initiated by corrosion pitting which was assessed as probably the result of prolonged marine low-altitude operations by the aircraft. It was found that this fatigue cracking could increase undetected during service between scheduled inspections.

Description

On 11 November 2019, a Bombardier DHC8-300 (VH-ZZE) being operated by Surveillance Australia was about to depart Darwin on an offshore surveillance flight in good day visibility but when the power levers were advanced for takeoff against the brakes, there was a loud bang and the power was returned to flight idle. After observing abnormal indications for the right engine, a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123E, it was shut down and the aircraft taxied to the operator’s maintenance facility using the serviceable engine. A runway inspection found metallic debris where the aircraft had been standing.

Investigation

An Investigation into the accident was carried out by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) based on an examination of the failed engine, the data from the CVR and FDR and flight crew statements.

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