What happened
On January 5, 2022, at 15:40 UTC, a Boeing 737-200, registration YV2823, operated by Avior Alas de Venezuela, C.A., was performing a scheduled flight from General Santiago Mariño International Airport (SVMG) to Simón Bolívar International Airport (SVMI).
During the initial climb phase, upon reaching an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet, the crew observed an "auto fail" indication on the pressurization panel. In response to the cabin pressurization failure, the pilot in command requested the control tower to maintain an altitude of 4,000 feet to perform the necessary Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures. Despite efforts to manage the malfunction, the crew determined it was necessary to return to the departure airport. The aircraft landed safely at SVMG without further incident, with no injuries to the occupants and no damage to the airframe.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation included interviews with the flight crew, a review of maintenance records, and an inspection of the aircraft's systems. Investigators examined the crew's licenses and medical certifications, which were all found to be valid and current. Maintenance logs from Aeropostal Alas de Venezuela, C.A. were also reviewed.
During the technical examination of the aircraft, investigators identified a rupture in a secondary left-hand (L-H) heat exchanger within the air conditioning system. This component was subsequently replaced. The investigation also included a traceability check of the four installed heat exchangers and their time between overhauls (TBO) to validate the corrective action.