Oil system event involving a Short Bros Pty Ltd SD360, VH-MVW, 46 km south of Bundaberg Aerodrome, Queensland, on 1 January 1998

A passenger alerted the crew to fluid leaking from the left engine cowling. Several minutes later, the oil pressure began fluctuating. The crew reduced power on the affected engine as stipulated in the Abnormal Procedures checklist. They declared an emergency and advised the sector controller of their intention to divert to Bundaberg. Emergency services were alerted and in place for an uneventful landing.

Company maintenance staff found an engine oil leak. The leak was traced to the failure of an oil seal at the gas generator tachometer gear.