2010-07 · NASA ASRS report 899048
A DHC8-100's oil pressure became erratic and eventually the pressure dropped into the oil pressure gauge Red Zone. The engine was shutdown; an emergency declared and the flight diverted to an enroute airport.
Cruise flight at 14;000 FT. The Captain noticed the #1 oil pressure gauge started fluctuating back and forth. Eventually it fluctuated enough to sporadically set off the #1 oil pressure warning light. We brought the power lever back to flight idle to see if it would stabilize. The oil pressure seemed to stabilize just above the red line for a brief moment. Moments later we noticed the pressure fall into the red. At that time we decided to shut down the #1 engine and declare an emergency with ATC. We then diverted to ZZZ; called company and made sure the Flight Attendant and cabin was informed on what was happening. ATC proceeded to gave us a heading to fly to intercept the localize. Weather was good enough to pick up the field approximately 10 miles out; we proceeded in for the visual. The event occurred because of a mechanical malfunction. Once the event was identified the captain and myself discussed issues pertaining to a possible gauge malfunction; to an actual engine problem. We also discussed where we would land in the event we needed to divert. After completing the engine oil warning light emergency checklist; we determined the engine needed to be shutdown. We proceeded with the immediate engine shutdown procedures and then ran the appropriate checklist.
Enroute; I noticed the #1 oil pressure fluctuating occasionally into the yellow. The First Officer and I discussed the possibility of an indication problem; then reviewed the emergency checklist. Since we were just passed ZZZ1 I asked the First Officer to call Maintenance. Then the oil pressure dropped to 50 PSI which requires the power lever to flight idle. Then I reduced the #1 power lever to flight idle and the First Officer advised Maintenance and it was determined that we should land at ZZZ. Very shortly thereafter; the oil pressure dropped below 40 PSI and the #1 oil pressure warning light illuminated. We then accomplished the immediate action items to shut down the engine. We then completed the engine failure in-flight checklist. The First Officer called the Flight Attendant and told her we had declared an emergency; would be landing at ZZZ; there should be no need to brace; and that we would be making a PA to the passengers. While First Officer was talking to the cabin; I told Approach we had to shut down the #1 engine and we were declaring an emergency and diverting to ZZZ. The landing was uneventful and after confirming hydraulic pressure was normal; we taxied to the gate.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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