During WestJet’s flight WS-1433 from Los Angeles to Edmonton, a technical malfunction occurred shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft detected signs of low oil pressure in its left engine (CFM56) while climbing out of Los Angeles Airport.
The crew, having reached an altitude of 34,000 feet (FL340), reported receiving amber band warnings related to the left engine’s oil pressure and requested to return to Los Angeles. Following standard emergency checklist procedures, the crew decided to shut down the left engine after the oil temperature entered the red band.
Approximately one hour after departure, the aircraft made a safe landing on runway 24R at Los Angeles Airport. Subsequent technical inspections initiated by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) revealed an oil accumulation in the Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) drain area of the left engine. Detailed examinations reported damage to the gearbox seal and the presence of metal particles in the AGB/TGB filters. Metal debris was also found in the magnetic chip detectors.
Based on the findings, it was decided that the engine would be replaced.
