Incident Overview
On a night flight from Cayo Largo Del Sur, Cuba, to Montréal/Mirabel International Airport, a Boeing 737-200 with registration C-FRYG encountered significant mechanical issues. Operated by Canada 3000 Ltd., the aircraft carried 107 passengers and six crew members. Approximately twenty minutes after take-off from Cayo Largo Del Sur, the flight crew observed fluctuating oil pressure in the right Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A engine and a low oil level indication.
Emergency Procedures and Diversion
Following these indications, the crew shut down the right engine as a precautionary measure and declared an emergency to Havana Control Centre. The aircraft entered a holding pattern near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where passengers reported seeing sparks beneath the right engine nacelle. Shortly after, fire warning lights illuminated in the cockpit. Despite the discharge of both halon fire extinguisher bottles into the engine nacelle, the fire persisted.
Landing and Aftermath
The captain requested landing priority at Fort Lauderdale Airport due to the uncontrollable fire. The first officer directed the aircraft onto Runway 27R, where it came to a stop before evacuation began. Emergency services eventually extinguished the blaze, which was fueled by magnesium alloy in the accessory gearbox—a material known for being difficult to suppress with standard agents. No injuries were reported among the occupants or ground personnel.