What happened
On February 21, 2026, at 13:25 UTC, a Douglas DC-9-82, registration YV2923, operated by LASER Airlines, was performing a scheduled flight from Maiquetía International Airport to Hato Airport in Curacao. The aircraft was carrying 95 passengers and 6 crew members.
During the initial climb phase immediately following takeoff, the flight crew identified smoke and a burning odor entering both the cockpit and the passenger cabin. In response, the captain executed the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures. The crew notified Maiquetía Approach Control of the situation and decided to return to the departure airport as a precaution. The smoke dissipated quickly, allowing the aircraft to land safely under normal conditions. There were no injuries and no structural damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, airworthiness certificates, and crew licenses. The investigation included interviews with the flight crew and a thorough technical inspection of various aircraft systems.
Technical troubleshooting was performed according to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). Inspections of the APU, air conditioning packs, electrical compartments, and passenger cabin lighting found no evidence of fluid leaks or electrical faults. However, during troubleshooting for vibrations, a borescope inspection of the right engine (JT8D-217) revealed material loss on the turbine stage 1 blades. Following this discovery, the right engine was removed and replaced with a serviceable unit.
Findings
- The crew detected smoke and a burning odor during the initial climb phase.
- A borescope inspection of the right engine identified material loss on the T1 blades.
- All flight crew members held valid licenses and medical certifications at the time of the event.