Dash 8-300
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 5000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
Level at 9000 feet the crew noted the Master Warning light illuminated for the #2 Engine Oil Pressure warning light. The crew checked the gauges and verified the #2 oil pressure was at 0 psi. As the crew was preparing to shut down the #2 engine; the Check Fire Detect; Engine Fire; and #2 Fuel Off warning lights illuminated indicating a fire on the #2 engine. The crew performed the engine shutdown procedure for a #2 engine fire; and extinguished the fire by using the first extinguisher bottle and then using the second bottle 30 seconds later. The fire indication extinguished approximately 40 seconds after dispersing the first bottle. Once the engine was shut down; the crew performed the Engine Fire in Flight checklist; notified the flight attendant and ATC of the situation; [advised ATC]; and diverted to [a suitable alternate]. The diversion was uneventful thanks to the assistance of ATC and the use of the iPad; which made it easy to prepare for the approach. The checklists were all completed using the Emergency Checklist for the remainder of the flight. Because both hydraulic systems operated normally after the fire; an alternate gear extension was not necessary. The crew requested emergency vehicles to meet the aircraft on the runway. Upon landing; the crew made the announcement for the passengers to remain seated. The crew had the emergency vehicles inspect the #2 engine; and found no signs of smoke or fire. With full pressure and quantity on both hydraulic systems; the crew elected to taxi in to the gate. Once on the gate; the situation was handled as a normal deplaning; and the ground crew did a great job handling the last minute diversion. Due to the Flight Attendant's reassurances; the passengers seemed in good spirits and were only concerned about how to get home. A visual inspection of the engine nacelle after the flight showed a small section forward of the main gear that had bubbled and missing paint with distinct blueing of the exposed metal; indicating extreme heat in that area. The bottom of the nacelle was coated in fluid; presumably engine oil. There were no other obvious indications of damage that could be seen without opening the panels of the nacelle. The issue was detected using numerous visual warning systems including the Master Caution; and Engine Fire Press to Reset lights. At this time the cause is unknown; but in the interest of speculation a ruptured oil line near a hot engine component could cause the rapid drop in oil pressure and the fire that followed.
Dash 8 Captain reported diverting to an alternate airport after experiencing #2 engine fire and subsequent shutdown in flight.