What happened
On February 2, 2023, at 17:15 UTC, a Rockwell 690B (registration YV270 and 07) operated by TRANSPORTE AEREO ROLI C.A. was performing a flight from Maiquetia International Airport to Oscar Machado Zuloaga Airport (SVCS). The aircraft was carrying two crew members and approximately 1,900 lbs of fuel.
Upon landing on runway 10 at Charallave, the crew applied reverse thrust. During this process, the aircraft began to veer toward the left. The crew attempted to correct the course by setting the left engine to flight idle while maintaining full reverse thrust on the right engine; however, they were unable to maintain directional control. The aircraft exited the runway at taxiway 2, crossed a grass area, and eventually came to a stop on taxiway A. There were no fatalities or injuries among the crew, but the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The JIAAC inspection of the aircraft revealed several structural impacts, including dents on the left aileron leading edge, fractures to the nose cone of the left engine, and damage to the left main landing gear body. The nose gear separated from the aircraft approximately 85 meters before the final resting position, while other components were found up to 125 meters away. Additionally, the inspection noted damage to the left flap internal structure and the propeller spinner.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the asymmetric application of reverse thrust during the landing roll.
- The aircraft experienced a sudden stop of the left engine with torsion observed in the propeller blades.
- Meteorological conditions at the time were reported as unlimited visibility with a cloud ceiling of 3,700 feet and northeast winds between 15 and 17 km/h.