WestJet engine fire traced to fractured rotor blade

A WestJet Encore De Havilland DHC‑8‑402 experienced an engine fire on March 2, 2023, after a fractured rotor blade caused a surge and loss of power. The crew declared an emergency, shut down the engine and diverted to Kelowna International Airport, landing safely with one engine. The Transportation…

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:04:22 GMT

A WestJet Encore flight, a De Havilland DHC‑8‑402, departed Kamloops Airport on March 2, 2023, bound for Calgary with 74 passengers and four crew members aboard. Shortly after reaching climbing speed, the crew heard an engine fire warning in the cockpit. The pilots declared an emergency, shut down the affected engine and diverted to Kelowna International Airport, where the aircraft landed safely on a single engine. No injuries were reported, and the incident was captured on a passenger’s video showing flames erupting from the rear of the engine.

What Happened?

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) released its investigation report on September 22, 2026, concluding that a fractured rotor blade in the engine’s compressor caused a surge and loss of power. The engine control system responded by increasing fuel flow to regain power, sending excess fuel into the exhaust stream where it ignited, producing the fire that prompted the emergency.

Background of the Aircraft and Flight

The aircraft involved was a WestJet Encore De Havilland DHC‑8‑402, a twin‑engine turboprop used by WestJet for regional routes. On the day of the incident, the flight left Kamloops Airport in British Columbia, carrying a full complement of passengers and crew. The flight’s intended destination was Calgary, Alberta, a common route for WestJet Encore’s regional network.

Engine Failure and Emergency Landing

As the aircraft transitioned from climb to cruise, an engine fire warning sounded. The crew immediately shut down the affected engine, declared an emergency, and diverted to Kelowna International Airport. The aircraft landed safely on one engine, with emergency crews on the ground ready to assist. Passengers and crew praised the pilots and cabin crew for their calm handling of the situation.

Investigation Findings

Fractured rotor blade in the engine’s compressor was the root cause of the engine surge and subsequent fire.
The engine control system increased fuel flow in an attempt to recover power, which fed excess fuel into the exhaust duct where it ignited.
Video evidence from a passenger corroborated the presence of flames at the rear of the engine.
Subsequent inspections by WestJet identified two other engines with fractured compressor rotor blades.
Pratt & Whitney Canada, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, and WestJet Encore have implemented inspection, monitoring, software, and operational changes to mitigate the risk of future rotor blade failures.

Safety Measures and Industry Response

Following the TSB’s findings, Pratt & Whitney Canada has updated its inspection protocols for turbine engines, focusing on rotor blade integrity. De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has introduced enhanced monitoring systems to detect early signs of blade fatigue. WestJet Encore has revised its maintenance schedules and introduced software updates that adjust fuel flow more conservatively during surge events. These measures aim to prevent similar incidents and improve overall engine reliability.

What Happens Next?

The TSB continues to monitor the implementation of the recommended safety changes across the industry. WestJet Encore is conducting a comprehensive review of its fleet to identify any additional engines that may be at risk. The incident has prompted regulatory bodies in Canada to re‑examine turboprop engine certification standards, ensuring that rotor blade design and inspection intervals meet the latest safety requirements.

Impact on Passengers and the Aviation Community

Although the incident resulted in no injuries, it highlighted the importance of rapid response and robust maintenance practices in aviation safety. Passengers who witnessed the emergency landing expressed gratitude for the crew’s professionalism. The aviation community has taken note of the incident as a case study in how a single component failure can cascade into a more serious event, reinforcing the need for continuous vigilance.

Key facts

Fractured rotor blade caused engine surge and fire
Crew shut down engine and diverted to Kelowna
No injuries; safe landing on one engine
TSB identified root cause and recommended safety changes
Pratt & Whitney Canada, De Havilland, and WestJet Encore updated inspections and operations
WestJet found two other engines with similar failures
Industry is reviewing turboprop engine standards

Why it matters

The incident underscores the critical role of engine component integrity and the effectiveness of rapid emergency response. It also illustrates how industry-wide inspections and regulatory updates can prevent future accidents.

Frequently asked questions

What caused the engine fire on the WestJet flight?

A fractured rotor blade in the engine’s compressor caused a surge, leading the engine control system to increase fuel flow and ignite excess fuel in the exhaust duct.

Were there any injuries?

No, all passengers and crew were unharmed and the aircraft landed safely on one engine.

What changes have been made after the investigation?

Pratt & Whitney Canada, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, and WestJet Encore have implemented new inspection protocols, monitoring systems, software updates, and operational changes to reduce rotor blade failure risk.