What happened
On January 24, 2008, at approximately 5:45 PM, a Cessna C208B Caravan, registration 6Y-JRG, departed from Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston, Jamaica. The aircraft, operated by Rutair Limited under the name International Air Link, was performing a scheduled flight to Montego Bay International Airport with two pilots and seven passengers on board.
While climbing through 4,000 feet ASL, the captain heard an explosion within the engine compartment. Following the explosion, the Ng decreased below 50% and the ITT rose above 800 Degrees Centigrade. The pilot responded by shutting down and securing the engine, subsequently performing a successful landing back at Tinson Pen Aerodrome. There were no injuries and no additional damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
An inspection of the Pratt and Whitney PT6A-114A engine (Serial Number PCE0949) was conducted by a Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) Airworthiness Inspector. The examination revealed extensive damage to both the power turbine disc and the compressor turbine disc. Additionally, the inlet/nozzle guides for both turbines were found to be damaged. No other damage to the aircraft was identified, and no obvious cause for the engine damage was determined during the initial examination.