What happened
On April 24, 2020, at approximately 14:00 UTC, an M-18B Dromader, registration SP-FOG, departed from Goleniów Airport (EPSC) to conduct an aerial firefighting patrol. The aircraft was carrying a payload of approximately 1,400 liters of water. The flight proceeded normally until the aircraft reached the vicinity of the Chojna landing field.
During the mission, the pilot observed that the engine oil pressure had risen from a normal level of 4.5 kg/cm² to an unacceptable value of 8 kg/cm². While all other engine parameters remained within normal operating limits, the pilot followed established emergency procedures by jettisoning the water payload. At 15:30, the pilot executed a precautionary landing at the Chojna landing field. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft resulting from the landing.
The investigation
Following the event, the aircraft's technical condition was inspected, specifically focusing on the engine's lubrication system. The investigation established that the P-15B oil pressure sensor was malfunctioning, which caused the erroneous high-pressure reading.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a malfunctioning oil pressure sensor.
- After the faulty sensor was replaced with a new unit, engine tests confirmed that oil pressure readings returned to normal levels, and the aircraft was cleared for return to service.