What happened
On March 31, 2026, at 15:30 UTC, a Douglas DC-9-82, registration YV3499, operated by RUTAS AEREAS DE VENEZUELA S.A (RAVSA), departed from Maiquetia International Airport (SVMI) bound for Maracaibo (SVMC). The aircraft was carrying 85 people, including a crew of six and 79 passengers.
During the initial climb following takeoff, the flight crew reported a loud noise coming from the right engine, which was immediately followed by low oil pressure and intense vibrations. The crew promptly implemented the procedures outlined in the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH). When these actions failed to stabilize the engine, the captain decided to return to the departure airport. The crew declared an emergency with Maiquetia Approach Control and was authorized to land. There were no injuries to the passengers or crew, though the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The investigation involved interviews with the flight crew and a review of all relevant documentation, including pilot licenses, maintenance records, and airworthiness certificates. Investigators performed a borescope inspection and troubleshooting on the right engine according to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).
Technical inspections revealed extensive damage throughout the engine's internal sections. The high-pressure compressor (HPC) showed nicks on the leading edges of the C7 stage blades, while the high-pressure turbine (HPT) exhibited material loss and erosion caused by metal fragments traveling from the compressor. Additionally, the low-pressure turbine (LPT) sustained significant damage and loss of blade geometry due to the impact of debris.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine malfunction was Foreign Object Damage (FOD).
- An initial impact on a single blade in the high-pressure compressor initiated a sequence of damage across the engine components.
- Metal fragments from the compressor traveled through the turbine sections, causing secondary impact and erosion damage to the high-pressure and low-pressure turbine stages, exceeding repairable limits.