On July 17, 1991, an Aerospace ATR-42-300 (registration N425TE) operated by Trans States Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Peoria, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the power turbine due to foreign object damage resulting from a failed turbine case bolt. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a number 1 engine failure and nacelle fire on short final. The pilot landed safely, evacuated passengers, and the fire was extinguished. Investigation found a failed turbine case bolt caused foreign object damage to the power turbine.
Incident
During the approach to land, the aircraft suffered a failure of the number 1 (left engine) and a subsequent fire in the engine nacelle while on short final. The pilot executed an uneventful landing and conducted an emergency evacuation on the runway. Before exiting the aircraft, the captain discharged both fire bottles. Airport fire department personnel responded and extinguished the fire.
Investigation
Examination of the aircraft and engine revealed that the power turbine had failed due to foreign object damage. The foreign object originated from a failed turbine case bolt. The failure of the bolt allowed debris to impact the turbine, leading to the engine failure and fire.
Probable cause
Failure of the power turbine due to foreign object damage resulting from a failed turbine case bolt.