Wildlife Incursion Causes Hydraulic Damage to Douglas DC-9 at Barcelona Airport

Casualties unknown • SVBC., VE

A Douglas DC-9 operated by LASER Airlines sustained hydraulic damage after two deer crossed the runway during landing at General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport.

What happened

In 2025, a Douglas DC-9-83, registration YV3465, operated by LÍNEA AÉREA DE SERVICIO REGIONAL (LASER), C.A., was performing a domestic flight from Maiquetia's Simón Bolívar International Airport to Barcelona's General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport. The aircraft was carrying 28 passengers and a crew of six.

During the final approach to runway 15 in Barcelona, the aircraft was cleared for landing. As the crew performed the landing roll with thrust reversers deployed at approximately 110 knots, the captain observed two deer crossing the runway path. Although the flight crew did not feel or hear any impact during the landing, the captain notified air traffic control of a possible wildlife strike to allow for a runway inspection. All passengers and crew members were uninjured.

The investigation

The investigation involved interviews with the flight crew and an examination of various documents, including pilot licenses, medical certificates, and aircraft maintenance records. Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's airworthiness certificate and maintenance history from the operator's maintenance organization (OMAC).

Physical inspections of the aircraft were conducted at the apron following passenger disembarkation. The investigation focused on the condition of the landing gear and hydraulic systems after the reported wildlife incursion.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by wildlife (deer) crossing the active runway during the landing roll, which resulted in damage to a hydraulic line on the right main landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-03-04 DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT DC-9-83 accident near SVBC., VE?

A Douglas DC-9 operated by LASER Airlines sustained hydraulic damage after two deer crossed the runway during landing at General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-03-04 involved a DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT DC-9-83, registration YV3465, operated by LASER AIRLINES, C.A, at SVBC., VE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by wildlife (deer) crossing the active runway during the landing roll, which resulted in damage to a hydraulic line on the right main landing gear.

Investigation report by the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC Venezuela). Original record: https://www.mppt.gob.ve/download/186208/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Junta de Investigacion de Accidentes de Aviacion Civil (JIAAC), Venezuela - MppT.

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