AO-2023-031Serious IncidentClosed
In-flight engine shutdown — Beechcraft King Air B200, WA
| Date | 17 April 2023 |
| Location | 50 nm NE of Meekatharra, WA |
| Aircraft | VH-FDR |
| Type | Beechcraft King Air B200 |
| Source | Australian Transport Safety Bureau ↗ |
Summary
A Royal Flying Doctor Service King Air B200 conducting an aeromedical retrieval from a remote station experienced an in-flight shutdown of the right engine (PT6A-52) approximately 50 nm from Meekatharra. The crew declared MAYDAY, continued on the remaining engine, and landed safely at Meekatharra Airport. The patient and two medical staff on board were uninjured.
Investigation Findings (4)
- 01Oil pressure in the right engine dropped suddenly and the crew correctly initiated single-engine emergency procedures.
- 02Post-flight inspection revealed a cracked oil pressure line fitting, consistent with a manufacturing defect.
- 03The part was within its recommended service life; no prior indication of crack development was apparent during routine inspections.
- 04RFDS issued a fleet-wide inspection of oil pressure line fittings on all King Air B200 aircraft.
Aircraft Involved
This report is based on publicly available ATSB/CASA data and may not reflect the complete investigation findings. Refer to the official ATSB website for authoritative reports.