2023-09 · NASA ASRS report 2032647
P2012 flight crew reported the left engine began to indicate low oil pressure. The pilots decided to continue and landed at the destination. The pilots stated after landing the oil pressure dropped into the 'red;' but the engine continued to run. Pilots stated they had a similar problem days earlier.
During cruise; approximately XX-XX mins from ZZZ the engine instruments were checked and the Captain; Pilot Monitoring; identified a fluctuation in oil pressure from the left engine. At that time; oil pressure was fluctuating within the green arc. We continued to monitor the fluctuation. Approximately XX minutes later the fluctuation in oil pressure reduced and continued to fluctuate between normal operation and yellow caution range. Once the oil pressure fell into the yellow caution range; the captain pointed out black smoke coming from the exhaust of the left engine. At that time; we began planning for possibly securing the engine and advised ATC; if the oil pressure dropped any further. The QRH was pulled and we began reviewing procedures. I continued flying and monitoring flight controls while the Captain continued to monitor the engine instruments. Approximately XX minutes from ZZZ the oil pressure began fluctuating steadily in the yellow caution range and then progressively became worse between Yellow caution and Red warning. At that time; we advised ATC about the possibility of securing the critical engine. We began to review engine securing procedures and confirmed them with the QRH. We reviewed what to expect if the engine was to be secured and what to expect upon landing. We worked with ATC. We also decided to stay up higher and make a steeper approach as we would benefit from the altitude; should an engine be secured or seized on our approach. On approach; upon power reduction; the oil pressure fell steady into the Red Warning range. The approach and landing were safely completed without further incident. The airplane was met and followed into the gate by airport crash rescue trucks. The airplane engine remained in operation and provided power for taxi until shut down at the gate area. Passengers deplaned without incident or question. Maintenance was contacted and towed back to the hangar.Cause: A similar incident occurred X days prior to the event. I believe the airplane possibly had a engine cylinder issue.
Approximately XX minute from ZZZ I noticed a fluctuation in Oil Pressure on the LEFT engine. It was fluctuating up and down in the green arc. Approximately XX minutes later it was fluctuating between green and yellow. At that point I also noticed black smoke coming from the LEFT engine. At this time the FO (PF) and I discussed what was happening and what our plan would be if the pressure dropped into the RED including advising ATC. I continued monitoring the oil pressure and continued to watch it go lower. As soon as it was bouncing between Yellow and RED approximately XX minutes out I contacted approach. Again the FO and I discussed what we might expect and the actions to be taken should we need to shut down the engine or should the engine shut down on itself. Including a review of the memory items and a look at the QRH. We worked with ATC to get an expedited landing clearance. We as a team decided it would be better to stay high and have a steeper than normal approach and briefed that as well. The approach and landing were uneventful. During a reduction of power obviously the oil pressure fell into the red; but the engine stayed with us to the gate. NOTE: This aircraft had the same issue X days prior. The pilot before us added two (2) quarts of oil to the left engine this morning and flew one trip to ZZZ. Cause: Assuming an oil breach of some type.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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