What happened
On January 28, 2020, at 01:04 UTC, a Boeing 737-200, registration YV2823, operated by Avior Airlines, was performing a takeoff roll at Maiquetia International Airport (SVMI) in Venezuela. The flight was scheduled to proceed to Ciudad Bolivar. On board the aircraft were 106 people, including 101 passengers and five cabin crew members, along with the pilot and co-pilot.
During the takeoff roll, the crew applied takeoff power, but the number 2 engine failed to accelerate beyond 1.77 EPR. Due to this loss of thrust, the pilot performed a rejected takeoff. The crew immediately notified the control tower and was authorized to vacate the runway and return to the apron. There were no injuries among the 106 occupants, though the aircraft sustained minor damage.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation involved interviewing the flight crew and reviewing various documents, including licenses, medical certificates, and flight logs. Investigators also examined the operator's documentation, such as the certificate of airworthiness and the flight plan, as well as maintenance records from the civil aeronautical maintenance organization (OMAC-N 440).
Technical inspections focused on the engine failure reported during the takeoff roll. Maintenance troubleshooting was conducted in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual, which identified a blockage in the Pressure Ratio Bleed Control (PRBC) valve. Following this finding, the number 2 engine was removed and reinstalled, and subsequent tests were performed with satisfactory results.
Findings
- The number 2 engine failed to reach required takeoff power due to a blocked PRBC valve.