Rutaca Airlines MD80 Landing Gear Incident (YV648T)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On a flight from Puerto Ordaz to Maiquetía, a Rutaca Airlines MD80 with registration YV648T experienced a landing gear issue shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, equipped with two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217A/C turbofan engines, was carrying 89 passengers and 8 crew members. The maximum takeoff weight was 67,812 kg. The aircraft held valid certificates of airworthiness, registration, and radio station license issued by Venezuela's INAC. The last preventive maintenance was performed by OMAC N° 038, Talleres Aeronauticos Mares S.R.L., located in Ciudad Bolívar. The pilot and co-pilot held valid licenses and medical certifications from INAC, with specific type ratings for the MD80. Weather conditions were favorable with unlimited visibility and calm winds. ## Investigation and Findings The investigation involved interviewing the flight crew and reviewing various documents, including licenses, medical certificates, and maintenance records. A trouble-shooting procedure was conducted following the manufacturer's instructions. During the inspection of the gear handle position interlock, a foreign object was detected in the retraction lever mechanism. The object was identified as the co-pilot's compass mirror. The FOD was removed, and the landing gear was tested for retraction and extension, resulting in a satisfactory operational check. The compass mirror was reinstalled and adjusted according to the manufacturer's guidelines. ## Probable Cause and Corrective Actions The Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC) determined that the probable cause of the incident was the presence of a foreign object, specifically the co-pilot's compass mirror, in the landing gear lever mechanism. Corrective actions included the removal of the FOD, testing of the landing gear, and the reinstallation of the compass mirror. Preventive measures recommended for Rutaca Airlines included developing a preventive action plan to avoid repetitive events on this aircraft model and verifying the condition of the co-pilot's compass mirror across the fleet. The investigation was closed, and notifications were sent to the relevant states, including the United States as the state of design and manufacture.