Aborted Takeoff of a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 Due to Engine Performance Issue (YV2923)

Incident Overview and Immediate Response On March 5, 2022, the flight crew of a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, registration YV2923, initiated a takeoff roll after completing the required checklist. During the acceleration phase, the left engine (Engine No. 1) indicated an engine pressure ratio (EPR) of 1.64, falling short of the required 1.91 EPR. The engine also showed increased oil temperature and pressure, preventing the aircraft from achieving the necessary takeoff performance. The pilot in command decided to abort the takeoff, exiting runway 10 and returning to the terminal. Passengers disembarked safely, with no injuries reported and no damage to the aircraft. ## Aircraft and Crew Details The aircraft was a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, serial number 49563, classified as commercial transport. It held an FAA Type Certificate A6WE, with a maximum takeoff weight of 142,000 pounds and a maximum thrust of 20,850 pounds. The pilot in command was 42 years old, with 4,765 total flight hours and 4,565 hours on type. The first officer was 50 years old, with 9,449 total flight hours and 2,948 hours on type. Both crew members held valid medical certificates, licenses, and ratings issued by Venezuela's INAC, including instrument flight and MD-80 type ratings. ## Meteorological Conditions and Airworthiness At the time of the incident, weather conditions were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with visibility of 9,999 meters and calm winds. The aircraft was airworthy, as confirmed by its valid certificate of airworthiness and maintenance records. ## Investigation and Corrective Actions The investigation included reviewing crew documentation, maintenance records, and component traceability, interviewing the crew, and conducting a meeting with the Safety Management System (SMS) and quality assurance management. Photographic and video evidence of the inspected components was collected, and initial notifications were sent to interested states. A corrective action plan was implemented to determine the root cause. Inspection of Engine 1 revealed that the throttle rod had come loose. A fault search was conducted according to AMM 76-11-00, and the throttle push control cable was reinstalled per AMM 76-11-01, as it was out of position. An acceleration check test (AMM 72-00-00) yielded satisfactory results, and the system installation was verified. Root cause analysis was performed using the five whys technique. The aircraft's transfer was authorized on March 5, 2022, through a custody transfer signed by JIAAC and a representative of LASER. ## Pending Activities and International Notifications Pending activities include requesting the maintenance management to conduct a specialized course on human factors and preparing an informational circular on the improper installation of MD-82 engine throttle rods. A working group is recommended to prevent future events related to the component, and procedures for the task will be reviewed. In accordance with Annex 13, Chapter 4, of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the incident was reported to the ICAO ADREP system via JIAAC form 012/2022. The United States, as the state of design and manufacture, was notified by email. The NTSB, as the investigation authority for the state of design and manufacture, was also notified. The report was issued by the Office of Transportation Safety, attached to the Ministry of Popular Power for Transport, in Caracas on March 10, 2022. All times are in UTC (Venezuela is UTC-4).