2022 LASER DC-9-82 Electrical Failure Incident (YV2945)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On January 12, 2022, at 13:53 UTC, a Douglas Aircraft Company DC-9-82, registration YV2945, serial number 49564, operated by Líneas Aéreas de Servicio Ejecutivo Regional (LASER), C.A., began its takeoff roll from Simón Bolívar International Airport (SVMI) in Maiquetía, Venezuela. The aircraft was en route to Las Américas International Airport (MDSD) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Aboard were 111 people: a pilot, a co-pilot, four cabin crew members, and 105 passengers. The flight carried 30,500 pounds of fuel with an estimated en-route time of 1 hour and 20 minutes. ## Event Sequence During the initial climb, after exceeding the decision speed (V1), the pilot observed the left generator off (L. Gen Off) light illuminate, indicating the left generator was not supplying electrical power. The pilot immediately initiated the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures for the L. Gen Off failure. However, the electrical issue intensified approximately 17 nautical miles from SVMI, above 6,000 feet, causing several of the captain's instruments to fail. The pilot requested to return to the Maiquetía Approach Control (APP-SVMI). At 14:03 UTC, the aircraft landed safely at Simón Bolívar International Airport (SVMI) without further incident. All occupants were unharmed, and the aircraft retained the described electrical failure. ## Aircraft and Maintenance Background The DC-9-82 was a commercial transport aircraft with a type certificate issued by the FAA. It was powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217A/C turbofan engines. The aircraft was airworthy under a valid certificate of airworthiness. The last preventive and scheduled maintenance was performed by OMAC N° 475, LASER, C.A., located at Simón Bolívar International Airport. ## Investigation and Corrective Actions The investigation included interviews with the flight crew and the collection of various documents, including licenses, medical certificates, maintenance records, and the aircraft's registration and airworthiness certificates. During a maintenance inspection to validate corrective actions for the reported left generator failure, investigators found a broken cable in the insulation causing a short circuit against the structure at Cannon Plug P18-03. They also noted a lack of protection for cable K 12 to 16. Following the investigation, LASER performed preventive maintenance on October 12, 2022, repairing and insulating the left generator field electrical line (XI2A16) Plug P18-03 and checking the electrical system. The investigation was closed based on these findings and corrective actions.