TSB links Dash 8 engine fire to blade failure caused by mechanical resonance

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has determined that the 2023 inflight engine fire aboard a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 was directly caused by a fractured low-pressure compressor (LPC) rotor blade. Investigators identified thirteen similar incidents linked to this specific failure mode, highlighting a concerning trend in Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW150A engines. The TSB attributes the initial fracture to mechanical resonance, a phenomenon potentially worsened by various contributing factors. This investigation underscores the critical importance of maintaining optimal engine conditions and recognizing potential vulnerabilities within these aircraft systems. Further analysis is underway to fully understand all elements involved in this incident’s chain of events.