Date: 2nd December 2024
Location: Gisborne Airport, New Zealand
Aircraft: De Havilland Dash 8-300, registration ZK-NFA
Operator: Air New Zealand
Flight Number: NZ-5166
Route: Gisborne to Auckland, New Zealand
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 2nd December 2024, Air New Zealand flight NZ-5166, operated by a De Havilland Dash 8-300, was climbing out of Gisborne Airport enroute to Auckland when the crew encountered an issue with one of the Pratt & Whitney PW123 engines. Following standard operating procedures, the crew shut the affected engine down, levelled the aircraft at 5000 feet, and returned to Gisborne for a safe landing on Runway 14 approximately 30 minutes after departure.
The airline confirmed that the engine shutdown was precautionary and in accordance with standard procedures.
Aircraft Information
The De Havilland Dash 8-300 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft widely used for regional routes. Equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW123 engines, the aircraft is designed to handle single-engine operations safely in the event of a failure.
Sequence of Events
1. Climb Phase:
• The aircraft was departing Gisborne’s Runway 14 and climbing through 5000 feet when the crew identified an issue with the right-hand engine.
2. Engine Shutdown:
• Following standard operating procedures, the crew shut the engine down as a precautionary measure.
3. Decision to Return:
• The crew opted to return to Gisborne, where the airport’s emergency services were placed on standby.
4. Safe Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely on Runway 14 approximately 30 minutes after departure.
Initial Findings
Possible Causes of Engine Shutdown
1. Engine Performance Issue:
• Indicators of abnormal operation, such as temperature or pressure anomalies, may have prompted the precautionary shutdown.
2. Sensor Malfunction:
• Faulty engine sensors could have incorrectly indicated a problem, leading to the shutdown as a precaution.
3. Mechanical Failure:
• Potential issues with the engine’s internal components, such as a compressor or turbine failure, could have caused the event.
Maintenance Actions
1. Engine Inspection:
• A thorough inspection of the PW123 engine will be conducted, including a review of temperature and pressure readings.
2. System Diagnostics:
• Engine control systems and sensors will be analyzed for anomalies or malfunctions.
3. Operational Testing:
• The engine will undergo functional tests before the aircraft is returned to service.
Safety Risks
1. Single-Engine Operation:
• While the Dash 8-300 is designed for safe single-engine operation, an engine shutdown increases operational complexity and limits performance.
2. Potential Engine Damage:
• Continued operation with a damaged engine could pose risks if not identified and addressed promptly.
3. Passenger and Crew Safety:
• Ensuring safe return to the airport is critical to minimizing risks during an inflight engine shutdown.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Monitoring:
• Implement additional preflight checks and real-time monitoring of engine performance to identify potential issues early.
2. Crew Training:
• Regularly train crews in handling engine shutdowns and single-engine operations to ensure efficient and safe responses.
3. Proactive Maintenance:
• Conduct preventative inspections and overhauls of engines to minimize the risk of inflight issues.
4. Incident Reporting:
• Collaborate with regulatory authorities to review this incident and update operational protocols if necessary.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident highlights the importance of robust crew training and the reliability of the Dash 8-300’s design, which ensured a safe outcome during single-engine operation. It underscores the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance of critical systems to mitigate risks during regional operations.
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
