Dash 8-100
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Troubleshooting; Training / Qualification; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; General Maintenance Action
Procedure
After deicing with Type 1 fluid we taxied out to the Runway for departure. Once we were cleared for takeoff I held the brakes and ran the power up to 40 percent for 10 seconds; and everything looked normal. I released the brakes and started my takeoff roll. Soon after setting takeoff power the Number 1 engine oil pressure warning light illuminated; and we rejected the takeoff at 80 knots. The warning light extinguished after 5 seconds when I reduced the power. I proceeded to shut down the Number 1 engine and we taxied back to the gate. The mechanic arrived and checked out the Number 1 engine and found that it was 3 quarts low on oil. He said that Maintenance told them it had been 3 days since the oils had been checked! No leaks were noted. I asked him if 3 quarts low could cause the oil pressure warning light to illuminate and he said that it was the probable cause. It may be necessary for Maintenance do more frequent oil checks.
[Narrative 2 contains no additional information.]
A DHC8-100 Captain rejected the takeoff when the LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING light illuminated and after returning to the gate Maintenance discovered the oil had not been serviced for three days resulting in the quantity being three quarts low.