B737-800 flight crew reported low engine oil quantity in cruise. Flight crew performed inflight shutdown of #1 engine and returned to departure airport.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported low engine oil quantity in cruise. Flight crew performed inflight shutdown of #1 engine and returned to departure airport.
Narrative
Day 0 Oil Pressure Issue Narrative XA:40Z OUT XA:50Z ON FO Person A PF; PIC Person B was PM; and FO Person C was Jump Seat. XB:40Z The Upper Display Unit (DU) lit up with flashing and boxed Oil Quantity indication. At that point; PIC Person B recalled that the indication was 7 oil units. XB:41Z Called ATC with a [request for priority handling] and requested a diversion back to ZZZ for low oil quantity. Clearance from ZZZ Center was ZZZ ZZZZZ ZZZ ZZZ1. Proceeded with a left turn ZZZ ZZZZZ. XB:43Z Called Person C to the flight deck XB:43Z Notified Lead Flight Attendant (FA) that we were diverting to ZZZ1 Initially cleared to FL370; PIC Person B requested FL240; ATC replied not cleared due to traffic. After 5 minutes; the crew decided to descend to FL240 without clearance due to the limited performance of the aircraft single-engine. PIC Person B broadcast to all aircraft on 121.5 and announced intentions of emergency descent to FL240. XB:48Z Crew elected to shut down #1 engine in accordance with QRH Engine Low Oil Pressure checklist during descent. Next 10-15 minutes discussed options for landing ZZZ vs. ZZZ1. Crew decided to land at ZZZ1 initially; and got clearance to ZZZ1 from ARINC. XB:59Z FO Person C called Dispatch on Sat Phone and advised #1 (Left) engine out and to standby. XC:13Z FO Person C called Dispatch advising divert to either ZZZ2 or ZZZ1. Estimated XC:50 to XD:00Z landing. XC:18Z FO Person C called Dispatch and advised diverting to ZZZ2 XC:45Z FO Person C Called Dispatch and advised diverting to ZZZ1 at ATC's recommendation. Dispatch asked if we wanted emergency vehicles dispatched and we agreed. One engine landing checklist and procedure performed in accordance with QRH. Decision Factors to divert to ZZZ11.Less than 10-mile difference between airports2.ZZZ2 XXR was the only runway available3.Go-around at ZZZ2 problematic with 1-Engine Out (EO) due to terrain; whereas ZZZ go-around in straight-in.4.Wind Calm at ZZZ1 vs crosswind at ZZZ25.ATC advised ZZZ2 that only one Runway (XXR) was available for landing. Would we prefer ZZZ1? XD:10Z ON at ZZZ1 XD:12Z Commenced inspection by ZZZ1 Fire Department XD:13Z FO Person C called Dispatch on his personal phone and advised that ZZZ1 Airport Fire Department was inspecting the aircraft. It should take about five minutes; and when the #1 engine has cleared the inspection; Aircraft X will taxi to FBO. Notes of FA and passenger communications: 1. PIC Person B initially informed Lead FA in person that we were diverting back to ZZZ1 due to abnormal engine indication.2. PIC Person B informed the passengers via PA of the above.3. PIC Person B informed the FA and the passengers that we were diverting to ZZZ2 which was the nearest airport.4. PIC Person B informed the FA and the passengers that emergency vehicles would accompany the aircraft down the runway and inspect it once we pulled off the runway at ZZZ2.5. PIC Person B informed the FA and the passengers that we were diverting to ZZZ1 and would land in 10-15 minutes.Cause: Engine oil quantity and pressure dropped due to suspected oil leak
Second reporter narrative
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.