Created Thursday, Jan 27th 2022 19:43Z, last updated Thursday, Jan 27th 2022 20:07Z
An Air Botswana Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration A2-ABK performing flight
BP-204 from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Gabarone (Botswana) with 70 passengers and 4 crew, was climbing through FL080 out of Johannesburg's runway 03L when the crew observed torque fluctuations of about 8% and an increased ITT of about 40 degrees C on the right hand engine (PW127M) parameters, the parameters stabilized as the aircraft climbed to FL110. At FL130 the crew received a master caution and an EEC fault indication and requested to level off at FL140 to work the related checklists. While working the checklists the right hand engine fire warning illuminated, the crew worked the related checklists and shut the engine down, the propeller had already feathered by then, the fire indication reset before the fire bottles were discharged. The crew returned the aircraft to Johannesburg for a safe landing on runway 03L about 16 minutes after stopping the climb at FL140.
On Jan 27th 2022 South Africa's CAA released their preliminary report reporting the engine recieved sheared guidevanes and suffered damage to the exhaust/jet pipe, the HBV (Handbling Bleed Valve) electrical connector received damage, too.
The SACAA stated: "The QAR data revealed that the engine parameter fluctuations are consistent with mechanical damage within the engine. The fluctuations led to important engine vibrations which caused some of the debris to cut the HBV connector and the jet pipe."
The investigation is ongoing.
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