Casualties unknown

Low Oil Pressure and Engine Fire on DHC-8 During Cruise (N804MX)

Dothan, AL, US

On April 22, 1988, a DE Havilland DHC-8-101/102 (registration N804MX) operated by Eastern Metro Express was involved in an aviation accident near Dothan, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failed low pressure turbine blades due to internal corrosion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

Flight crew of a DHC-8 experienced low oil pressure warning followed by right engine fire warning at 12,000 ft. Fire extinguished after two extinguisher discharges; landing completed safely. Inspection revealed broken oil lines and failed turbine blades due to internal corrosion.

Incident Description

During cruise flight at 12,000 feet, the flight crew of a DHC-8 aircraft observed a low oil pressure warning light. Approximately five seconds later, the right engine fire warning light illuminated. The crew confirmed the presence of a fire and discharged the engine fire extinguisher. The fire was initially extinguished but flared up again, prompting the crew to discharge the second fire extinguisher bottle. The fire was subsequently extinguished, and the aircraft completed a landing without further incident.

Post-Inspection Findings

Inspection following the event revealed broken oil lines to the number 6 and 7 bearings. Further investigation identified failed low pressure turbine blades due to internal corrosion. According to the manufacturer, new solid blades are under engineering evaluation.

Probable cause

Failed low pressure turbine blades due to internal corrosion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25384. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.