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Widerøe Dash 8-100 Returns to Bodø Following In-Flight Engine Shutdown

Date: 22nd November 2024

Location: Bodø Airport, Norway

Aircraft: de Havilland Dash 8-100, registration LN-WIY

Operator: Widerøe

Flight Number: WF-844

Flight Route: Bodø to Stokmarknes, Norway

Passengers and Crew: Not disclosed

Summary of Events

On 22nd November 2024, Widerøe Flight WF-844, a de Havilland Dash 8-100 operating a short regional flight from Bodø to Stokmarknes, experienced an engine issue shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, climbing out from Runway 07 at Bodø Airport, stopped its climb at approximately FL150 when the crew detected a problem with one of the Pratt & Whitney PW120A engines.

The crew followed standard procedures, shutting down the affected engine and returning to Bodø for a safe landing on Runway 07, approximately 45 minutes after departure. No injuries were reported.

The airline canceled the flight rotation, rebooking passengers on alternate services. The occurrence aircraft remains grounded at Bodø as of 25th November 2024 for maintenance and investigation.

Aircraft and Crew Information

Aircraft

The de Havilland Dash 8-100 is a twin-engine, turboprop regional airliner designed for short-haul routes. The affected aircraft, registration LN-WIY, has been in service with Widerøe, Norway’s largest regional airline, known for its extensive network in challenging weather conditions.

Crew

The flight crew was experienced in operating the Dash 8 in Norway’s often demanding environments. Their prompt recognition of the engine issue and adherence to emergency protocols ensured a safe return to Bodø.

Sequence of Events

1. Takeoff and Climb:

• Flight WF-844 departed Bodø’s Runway 07 on schedule, initiating a climb to its cruising altitude.

2. Engine Problem and Shutdown:

• At approximately FL150, the crew detected a technical issue with the right-hand PW120A engine.

• Following standard operating procedures, the crew shut down the affected engine to prevent further complications.

3. Return to Bodø:

• Operating on a single engine, the crew declared an emergency and returned to Bodø Airport.

• The aircraft landed safely on Runway 07 approximately 45 minutes after departure.

4. Post-Incident Actions:

• Passengers were safely disembarked and rebooked on later flights to their destinations.

• The aircraft was grounded for inspection and maintenance.

Initial Investigation and Findings

The airline confirmed that a technical fault led to the engine shutdown. Investigators are focusing on several key areas to determine the cause:

1. Engine Performance

• The Pratt & Whitney PW120A engine is known for its reliability in regional operations, but failures can occur due to wear, contamination, or component defects.

2. Maintenance Records

• Maintenance logs are being reviewed to identify whether any deferred or unresolved issues could have contributed to the malfunction.

3. Operational Factors

• The investigation will assess whether environmental conditions, such as icing or foreign object ingestion, played a role in the engine problem.

Passenger and Crew Impact

All passengers and crew members disembarked safely, with no reported injuries. Widerøe promptly rebooked passengers on alternate flights, minimizing disruption.

Conclusions

The engine shutdown and safe return of Widerøe Flight WF-844 underscore the importance of robust maintenance practices and effective crew training for managing in-flight anomalies. The investigation is expected to reveal whether the engine issue stemmed from mechanical failure, environmental factors, or maintenance oversight.

Recommendations

1. Enhanced Engine Inspections:

• Conduct additional checks on PW120A engines, focusing on wear-prone components and potential contamination.

2. Simulator Training for Engine Failures:

• Reinforce simulator-based training for flight crews to handle engine-out scenarios during critical phases of flight.

3. Incident Reporting and Data Sharing:

• Share investigation findings with other operators of similar aircraft to enhance safety protocols and prevent recurrence.

4. Environmental Considerations:

• Monitor environmental conditions, particularly during winter operations, for factors that could impact engine reliability.

Safety Lessons and Industry Impact

This incident highlights the challenges of operating regional aircraft in demanding environments and underscores the critical role of proactive maintenance and operational preparedness. Lessons learned from this investigation are likely to benefit operators of similar turboprop aircraft worldwide.

Disclaimer

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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.

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