Narrative:

In cruise flight at 9000' we noticed the #2 engine oil pressure gauge was fluctuating from 50-55 psi. We reduced power on #2 engine to bring nh below 75%. Oil pressure dropped below 40 psi and associated master warning and #2 engine oil press lights illuminated. We discussed shutting down the #2 engine; declaring an emergency and where to land. We decided to return to ZZZ; our departure airport. We shut down the #2 engine per procedure and emergency checklist. We notified ATC; declared an emergency and our intention to return to ZZZ. The PNF notified the flight attendant; operations and passengers. We returned to ZZZ and landed single engine. On arrival emergency vehicles were standing by but unneeded. We taxied to the gate and deplaned the passengers. We then called dispatch and maintenance. We had 49 passengers; 1 infant lap child and 3 crew members on board.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A low oil pressure reading on the #2 engine caused a DHC8 flight crew to shut down the engine and return to the departure airport.

Narrative: In cruise flight at 9000' we noticed the #2 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge was fluctuating from 50-55 psi. We reduced power on #2 engine to bring NH below 75%. Oil pressure dropped below 40 psi and associated MASTER WARNING and #2 ENG OIL PRESS lights illuminated. We discussed shutting down the #2 engine; declaring an emergency and where to land. We decided to return to ZZZ; our departure airport. We shut down the #2 engine per procedure and emergency checklist. We notified ATC; declared an emergency and our intention to return to ZZZ. The PNF notified the Flight Attendant; Operations and passengers. We returned to ZZZ and landed single engine. On arrival emergency vehicles were standing by but unneeded. We taxied to the gate and deplaned the passengers. We then called Dispatch and Maintenance. We had 49 passengers; 1 infant lap child and 3 crew members on board.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.