Incident Overview
On February 21, 2023, at 13:00 UTC, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 aircraft, registration YV2945, operated by Línea Aérea de Servicio Ejecutivo Regional, C.A. (LASER), departed from Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, Venezuela, bound for Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The flight carried 103 occupants: a pilot, a copilot, six flight attendants, one other crew member, and 94 passengers.
Sequence of Events
During cruise at altitude and speed, the flight crew received a warning light indicating "L OIL STRAINER CLOGGING" on engine #1 (left engine). Following the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedure, the crew reduced engine power to idle and checked whether the alert would extinguish. When the light remained on, the captain decided to return to Simón Bolívar Airport. The crew informed air traffic control of their decision. The aircraft landed at 14:10 UTC without further incident. No damage to the aircraft occurred, and all passengers were unharmed.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, a twin-engine turbofan McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 (serial 49564), was powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 engines mounted on the rear fuselage. It held valid certificates of registration, airworthiness, and radio station issued by the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Authority (INAC). Maintenance was performed by OMAC N° 475 LASER AIRLINES, C.A., located at Simón Bolívar International Airport.
The pilot, aged 39, held a valid medical certificate, license, and ratings including Instrument Flight and MD80 Captain. The copilot, aged 35, also held valid credentials with ratings for Instrument Flight, Single-Engine Land, Multi-Engine Land, C550 Copilot, and MD80 Copilot.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the incident, meteorological conditions were reported as calm winds (0 KT), unlimited visibility, and generally good weather throughout the day.
Investigation Actions
The Junta Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación Civil (JIAAC) initiated an investigation. Activities included requesting pilot documentation, maintenance records, the QRH, and insurance policies. Inspections of the engine #1 oil system were conducted: the oil filter was replaced, the oil filter differential pressure switch was replaced, and the engine oil was changed. A functional test of engine #1 was performed with satisfactory results, showing no further alarms. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, as the state of design and manufacture, was notified and appointed an accredited representative.
This preliminary information is subject to change as the investigation continues.