What happened
On February 25, 2022, at 12:00 UTC, a McDonnell Douglas MD81, registration YV1240, operated by LÍNEAS AÉREAS DE SERVICIO EJECUTIVO REGIONAL (LASER), C.A., departed from Maiquetia International Airport (SVMI) bound for Maracaibo (SVMC). The aircraft was carrying 106 people, including 101 passengers and 5 crew members.
During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the flight crew observed a high-temperature warning light illuminating in the aircraft's rear compartment (tail cone). In response to this indication, the pilot in command notified air traffic control of the decision to perform an immediate return to Maiquetia. The aircraft landed safely at SVMI without further incident, with no injuries reported to the occupants and no damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation involved reviewing crew licenses, medical certifications, and flight logs, as well as examining the operator's maintenance records from OMAC-N 475. Investigators performed visual and photographic inspections of the external structure and conducted troubleshooting procedures in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), specifically focusing on cooling turbine and tail compartment overheat sensor maintenance practices. The investigation also included a review of recent repairs and component compliance.
Findings
- An illumination of the high-temperature warning light occurred in the tail cone compartment during the climb phase.
- The crew followed standard procedures by notifying ATC and executing a return to the departure airport.
- All flight crew members held valid licenses and medical certifications for the aircraft type.
Safety action
- The operator, LASER S.A., is required to have its maintenance management perform inspections across the remainder of its fleet to check for potential leaks in the air reconditioning machine or the heat exchanger in this aircraft model to mitigate similar events.