MD83 flight crew experiences high engine oil temperature at FL320 and diverts to the nearest suitable airport. The engine is shut down; an emergency is declared; and an uneventful landing ensues. A broken wire is found to have caused a false indication.
Synopsis
MD83 flight crew experiences high engine oil temperature at FL320 and diverts to the nearest suitable airport. The engine is shut down; an emergency is declared; and an uneventful landing ensues. A broken wire is found to have caused a false indication.
Narrative
While cruising at FL320 over the mountains in day VMC conditions; we noticed that the left engine's oil temperature was increasing. The temperature seemed somewhat erratic; but the general trend was upward. We subsequently saw the yellow light and then the red light. The highest temperature I saw was about 180 degrees. We ran the Oil Temperature High QRH procedure. The Captain declared an emergency and we got clearance to divert. During the descent; I flew the airplane while the Captain ran the Engine Failure/In flight Shutdown QRH procedure. A deadheading pilot in the jumpseat provided excellent backup monitoring altitude clearances; pulling out the approach plates and so forth. We had an uneventful landing the weather was VMC with little or no wind. We stopped the aircraft on the runway. The Fire Chief and his team looked the aircraft over and saw no evidence of fire; smoke; or anything leaking. We then taxied the airplane to the gate.The mechanics later said that they found a broken wire. Are the wires in this area getting old? Are they flexing repeatedly so that they eventually break? If this is a common occurrence; perhaps these wires should be inspected during periodic maintenance checks.
Second reporter narrative
I am filing this report for an in-flight shutdown of an engine and overweight landing. At cruise altitude; the left engine oil pressure began increasing above the limits. In accordance with the QRH; the left engine was shutdown. An emergency was declared and an overweight landing was accomplished. I am not aware of any deviation from either company procedures or FAR's; but am filing this report in the event that a violation is filed.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.