What happened
On February 2, 2020, at 12:55 UTC, a Boeing 737-200, registration YV380T, operated by RUTAS AÉREAS, C.A. (RUTACA), departed from Maiquetia International Airport (SVMI) bound for General Santiago Mariño International Airport (SVMG). The aircraft was carrying 63 passengers and 8 cabin crew members, for a total of 71 persons on board.
During the initial climb phase, while reaching 11,000 feet, the crew began retracting the flaps when the cabin crew noticed an asymmetry in the flap position. Following established Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures, the flight crew decided to return to Maiquetia. As part of the emergency preparations, the crew requested that airport fire services be positioned at the end of runway 10 due to the potential for brake overheating during a high-speed landing. The aircraft entered a holding pattern to manage fuel consumption and ensure landing within safe parameters. The aircraft landed at SVMI without further incident; all occupants were uninjured, though the mechanical failure was noted.
The investigation
The investigation involved an examination of flight crew licenses, medical certifications, and aircraft maintenance records. Authorities reviewed documentation from the operator and the maintenance organization (OMAC-N° 038) responsible for recent scheduled services. Investigators inspected the rear spar lower flange and performed troubleshooting according to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). The inspection confirmed that a repair had been executed on the component, with subsequent testing yielding satisfactory results.
Findings
- The primary cause of the return to land was a flap asymmetry detected during the climb phase.
- Meteorological conditions at both departure and arrival airports were favorable for flight operations.