SF340 Captain experiences Np gauge malfunction then failure with torque fluctuations and high ITT. Crew elects to divert to nearest suitable airport.

Date: 2009-04 · Aircraft: SF 340B · Phase: cruise

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical

Synopsis

SF340 Captain experiences Np gauge malfunction then failure with torque fluctuations and high ITT. Crew elects to divert to nearest suitable airport.

Narrative

We were in cruise at 14;000 FT when we noticed that the right engine Np gauge was moving +/-50 RPM. As the actual propeller was stable and 'in sync' with the left propeller; I assumed that either the sensor or the gauge was failing. I read through the emergency non normal checklists that are associated with propeller overspeed/underspeed conditions to be as ready as possible should either condition occur. Additionally; I checked our position relative to ZZZ using the FMS. We continued enroute for approximately 5-10 minutes. I wrote up a discrepancy in the maintenance log and was making an effort to contact dispatch on the radio. The excursions on the Np gauge continued to increase. First to about +/-500 RPM and then larger increases. This was not unexpected with a sensor or gauge failure. However; then the gauge fell to zero and jumped back to 1;230. at the same time there were several very large excursions in the Np gauge (+/-1;000 RPM); the torque and Ng gauges indicated small changes and the First Officer pointed out that the ITT had increased to 878. With this; both myself and the First Officer noticed 2 subtle yawing motions to the right. This is when we decided to make a precautionary landing in ZZZ. We ran the proper checklists; notified the Flight Attendant; dispatch and the ZZZ Station. Center handed us off to ZZZ and we landed without incident. Failure of Np sensor. Followed by yawing motion that indicated a larger problem may be looming in the shadows.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.