What happened
On February 23, 2022, at 19:00 UTC, a Cessna 500 aircraft, registration YV3030, operated by TRANSPORTE RADI, C.A., was performing a flight from Arturo Michelena International Airport (SVVA) in Valencia to Mayor Buenaventura Vivas Guerrero International Airport (SVSO) in Santo Domingo del Táchira. The aircraft was carrying six people, including the pilot, co-pilot, and four passengers.
While climbing to the assigned cruise level of FL260, the pilot observed fluctuations in the rotational speed (RPM) of the N1 fan on the number two (right) engine. Upon detecting this instability, the pilot decided to abort the flight and return to the departure airport. The pilot notified Valencia Approach Control (APP-SVBL) of the intent to cancel the destination and proceed to Valencia. During the approach, the pilot reduced power on the right engine without shutting it down. The aircraft landed at Arturo Michelena International Airport without further incident. All passengers were unharmed, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation involved interviewing the crew and reviewing flight logs, medical certificates, and licenses. Authorities also examined maintenance records from the maintenance organization (OMAC-N 223 LEADER AIR SERVICE, C.A.), including airworthiness directives and component controls. Air traffic control strips and voice recordings from Valencia Tower were reviewed. At the time of this provisional report, technical analysis was ongoing, with inspections of the engine pending to determine the root cause.