What happened
On May 31, 2025, at 20:57 UTC, a Boeing 737-2A1, registration YV3471, operated by RUTAS AEREAS DE VENEZUELA S.A (RAVSA), departed Maiquetía International Airport (SVMI) bound for Maracaibo (SVMC). The aircraft was carrying 100 passengers and 6 crew members.
During the initial climb, following the retraction of the landing gear, the flight crew declared an emergency due to a loss of hydraulic fluid in system "A". Following established Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures, the crew notified Maiquetía Approach of their intention to return to the departure airport. During the final approach and landing phase, the crew activated the thrust reversers and applied brakes via the hydraulic "B" system. This maneuver caused the aircraft to skid toward the right side of the runway. Because the steering system had been disabled by the loss of hydraulic system "A", the aircraft exited the paved surface and came to rest on the grass near intersection "E". There were no fatalities or injuries among the passengers or crew, though the aircraft sustained minor damage.
The investigation
The investigation involved interviews with the flight crew and a review of flight logs, licenses, and medical certificates. Authorities also examined maintenance records from the maintenance organization (OMAC N° 441) and aircraft documentation, including airworthiness and insurance certificates.
Technical troubleshooting of hydraulic system "A" was performed according to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). The investigation identified a leak in the flexible return line of the left-hand (LH) main landing gear actuator. Following the replacement of this component, technicians performed tests on the landing gear extension and retraction, as well as checks on primary and secondary flight surfaces.
Findings
- A leak in the flexible return line of the LH main landing gear actuator caused the loss of hydraulic fluid in system "A".
- The loss of hydraulic system "A" rendered the aircraft steering system inoperable.
- The combination of using thrust reversers and braking via system "B" during the landing phase led to the loss of directional control and the subsequent runway excursion.