What happened
On January 18, 2023, at 14:44 UTC, a Boeing 737-2A1, registration YV3471, operated by RUTAS AEREAS DE VENEZUELA (RAVSA), departed from Jacinto Lara International Airport in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. The flight was destined for Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, carrying 121 people, including the crew and 113 passengers.
While established at flight level 270 (FL270), the pilot in command observed a crack forming on the left cockpit windshield. Following the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures, the crew initiated an immediate descent to a physiological flight level and requested authorization from the Maiquetía Area Control Center (ACC) to cancel the destination and divert. The aircraft subsequently landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía at 16:10 UTC. All passengers and crew members were unharmed, and the aircraft sustained no further damage.
The investigation
The Venezuelan JIAAC investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, pilot certifications, and the physical condition of the windshield. Records indicated that the aircraft was airworthy and had undergone scheduled maintenance on the day of the event at an authorized maintenance organization (OMAC) in Maiquetía. The crew members held valid licenses and medical certifications.
During the investigation, JIAAC officials supervised the removal and replacement of the damaged L1 windshield by maintenance technicians. The investigation remains ongoing as technical and operational data analysis continues toward a final report.