Incident Overview
On March 18, 2020, at 09:30 UTC, a Boeing 737-33A with registration YV642T departed from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (SAEZ) in Ezeiza, Argentina. The aircraft was operating non-scheduled passenger flight ETR 8568 for Estelar Latinoamérica C.A., with an intended technical stop at Viru Viru International Airport (SLVR) in Bolivia before proceeding to Simón Bolívar International Airport (SVMI) in Maiquetía, Venezuela.
Event Description
While cruising at 34,000 feet on the SLVR-SVMI leg, approximately ten minutes after entering Venezuelan airspace south of Amazonas state, the aircraft experienced a loss of cabin pressure. This occurred while anti-ice systems were active, triggering the cabin altitude alarm. The crew followed Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures but could not stabilize the situation. Emergency oxygen masks were deployed, and the pilot-in-command initiated an emergency descent to 10,000 feet.
Communication and Landing
Direct communication with Air Traffic Control at SVMI and the SVPA tower was initially unsuccessful. A military aircraft served as a relay to notify SVPA control. As the aircraft approached SVPA, contact was established, and the tower authorized an emergency landing on runway 04. The aircraft landed safely; all occupants were unharmed, and the airframe sustained no damage.
Aircraft and Crew Details
The aircraft is a twin-engine turbofan Boeing 737-33A (serial number 27267) powered by CFM56-3B2 engines. It was certified for transport category operations with a maximum takeoff weight of 138,500 lb. The flight crew consisted of a 58-year-old captain with 17,232 hours of experience and a 25-year-old first officer with 1,130 hours. Both held valid licenses and medical certifications issued by INAC.