Dash 8 Series Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
After running the originating and before start checklists; the crew was cleared to begin engine start. #2 was cleared and started. #1 was then cleared to start. The Captain followed the engine start procedures; started the timer; engaged the starter; and placed the condition leaver into Start/Feather at 18% Nh. The engine failed to ignite 10 seconds after placing the condition leaver into Start/Feather. The Captain began to abort the start; while calling for the Start Abort checklist. While putting the condition leaver to Fuel Off; the Captain noted the engine then appeared to ignite. The ITT immediately rose to 1500C. The Captain continued the abort procedure; pulling the T Handle; placing the ignition switch to OFF; and allowing the starter to rotate for 15 seconds before shutting it off. The engine temperature continued to rise to 1824C; hold; then erratically change temperature on the ITT gauge. NO FIRE INDICATION WAS NOTED IN THE FLIGHT DECK. The Captain immediately called maintenance control and explained the situation as it had happened. During this time the ITT gauge needle fell to 0 and digitally indicated a temperature of 0 for the remainder of the time the aircraft was powered on. It was unclear at that time; due to the erratic ITT indications; and lack of fire indication in the flight deck; if the issue was a true hot start or if the ITT gauge had malfunctioned. The decision was made to deplane; all passengers then exited the aircraft without incident. Contract Maintenance was called out; and the #1 engine was inspected. The Mechanic noted to the Captain that the entire burner can area had been charred black. Including the igniters; fuel lines; and injectors. Maintenance was notified and the flight was then cancelled.
Dash 8 Captain reported aborting the number one engine start when the engine fails to light off in the allotted time. While putting the condition leaver to Fuel Off; the Captain noted the engine then appeared to light off and the ITT quickly rose beyond 1500 degrees C. Maintenance is called; the passengers deplaned and the flight is cancelled.