Summary
On 7 July 2023, an Airbus A320-271N operated by an airline on a scheduled passenger flight from El Loa Airport (SCCF) to La Florida Airport (SCSE) experienced an in-flight engine shutdown due to oil system anomalies. The incident occurred during the cruise phase approximately 185 nautical miles south of Calama. The crew performed a precautionary emergency landing at Andrés Sabella Airport (SCFA) in Antofagasta, Chile, without further issues.
Event Details
At 21:48 local time, the flight crew received two alerts on the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) indicating low oil pressure and low oil quantity on the No. 1 engine. The pilot in command decided to execute a commanded in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of the affected engine and declared an emergency. Air traffic control was advised of the situation, and the crew requested an emergency landing at Andrés Sabella Airport. The airport emergency plan was activated, including the fire and rescue service (SSEI). The aircraft touched down at 22:32 local time without any further anomalies.
Aircraft and Engine Information
The aircraft, an Airbus A320-271N (serial number 11162, manufactured in 2022), was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney PW1127GA-JM engines. The No. 1 engine (serial number P770852) experienced the oil system issues. The aircraft had a valid airworthiness certificate and had undergone a daily check on the same day with no discrepancies noted. A service bulletin (SB PW1000G-79-00-0029) from Pratt & Whitney had been applied in June 2022, which involved torque checks on oil supply tube nipples in the gearbox assemblies.
Occupant and Damage Status
The aircraft carried 7 crew members (2 flight crew and 5 cabin crew) and 174 passengers. All 181 occupants were uninjured. The aircraft sustained no structural damage; only an oil leak from the No. 1 engine was observed.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at Andrés Sabella Airport at the time of landing was reported as wind from 200 degrees at 13 knots, visibility more than 10 kilometers, broken clouds at 2,100 feet, temperature 18°C, dew point 12°C, and QNH 1014 hPa. No significant changes were expected.