The illumination of the CHIP annunciator indicates what condition?

The illumination of the CHIP annunciator signifies the presence of metal contamination in the system. This condition usually indicates that metal particles are being detected in the oil system, which can be a sign of wear or failure in engine components like bearings or gears. The detection of such particles is crucial since it suggests that there could be significant internal damage occurring, which, if left unaddressed, could lead to catastrophic engine failure.

In this case, recognizing the metal contamination allows for timely maintenance actions, potentially avoiding more severe issues down the line. This underscores the importance of monitoring the CHIP annunciator as part of a comprehensive safety and maintenance protocol in aircraft operations.