Venezuelan Boeing 737-2A1 Diverts After Windshield Cracking (YV3471)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On January 18, 2023, at 14:44 UTC, a Boeing 737-2A1 with registration YV3471 and serial number 21598 departed from the “Jacinto Lara” International Airport in Barquisimeto, Venezuela (SVMI), bound for the “Las Americas” International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (MDSD). The aircraft was operated by Rutas Aereas de Venezuela del Aeropuerto Internacional “Jacinto Lara”, RAV, S.A (RAVSA). The flight carried 121 people: a pilot, a copilot, three cabin crew members, three additional crew members, and 113 passengers. ## In-Flight Event and Diversion After establishing flight level 270 (FL270), the flight crew observed a crack in the left windshield (L1, pilot side). Following the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures, which indicated descent to a physiological flight level and landing as soon as possible, the captain requested a level descent and authorization from the Maiquetía Area Control Center (ACC) to cancel the destination and proceed to the alternate airport. The aircraft landed at the “Simón Bolívar” International Airport in Maiquetía, Venezuela, at 16:10 UTC. All passengers were unharmed, and the aircraft sustained no damage. ## Aircraft and Maintenance Information The aircraft is a twin-engine, turbofan-powered land-based aircraft manufactured by Boeing Aircraft Company, model 737-2A1, serial number 21598, in the transport category. It is equipped with two CFM International CFM-56-3C engines, each with a maximum thrust of 21,850 lbs, and a maximum takeoff weight of 56,470 kg (124,495.04 lbs). The aircraft held valid certificates of registration, airworthiness, and radio station issued by the Venezuelan aeronautical authority (INAC). The last preventive and scheduled maintenance was performed on January 18, 2023, by OMAC N° 441B1 Servicios Técnicos Aeronáuticos del Zulia, C.A. ## Investigation and Follow-Up The investigation included notifying the event, requesting pilot and copilot documentation, reviewing maintenance reports, interviewing the crew, and examining operator documents and certificates. The investigation authority (JIAAC) was present during the inspection and removal of the L1 windshield by the maintenance organization, which subsequently replaced the window. The investigation was in the process of analyzing technical, operational, and documentary information for the final report. Notifications were sent to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the United States, as the state of design and manufacture, which assigned an accredited representative.