What happened
On January 23, 2026, at 22:07 UTC, a Douglas DC-9-82, registration YV670T, operated by LASER Airlines (LÍNEA AÉREA DE SERVICIO REGIONAL, C.A.), was conducting a scheduled flight from Maiquetia International Airport to Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, Colombia. The aircraft was carrying 119 passengers and 7 crew members.
During the initial climb, while flying over Maracaibo, the crew observed the "RIGHT OIL PRESS LOW" and "MASTER CAUTION" warnings. Following this, the oil pressure in the right engine dropped to zero PSI, and the oil temperature rose above 120°C. In accordance with the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures, the crew performed an engine shutdown for safety. The commander declared an emergency to Cartagena Control, and the aircraft was authorized to return to Maracaibo at flight level FL230. The aircraft landed safely at Maracaibo without further incident, and all passengers and crew remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation involved interviews with the flight crew and a review of various documents, including licenses, medical certificates, flight logs, and maintenance records. Investigators also examined the aircraft's airworthiness certificate and maintenance history provided by the operator's maintenance organization (OMAC N° 475).
Technical inspections were performed on the aircraft, specifically focusing on the right engine. The investigation included troubleshooting according to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) and the removal and inspection of the Main Accessory Gearbox (MAB) on the right engine.
Findings
During the removal and inspection of the right engine's Main Accessory Gearbox, investigators determined that the oil pump was defective. This failure caused the drop in oil pressure to zero PSI and the subsequent rise in oil temperature.
Safety action
The Main Accessory Gearbox on the right engine was replaced following the procedures outlined in AMM 72-62-00. Following the replacement, an operational check of the right engine was conducted, confirming that all parameters were within operational limits.