What happened
On March 9, 2023, at 14:38 UTC, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83, registration YV3465, operated by LÍNEAS AEREA DE SERVICIOS EJECUTIVO REGIONAL (LASER), was performing a takeoff from runway 08 at Manuel Carlos Piar International Airport in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. The aircraft was carrying 96 occupants, including 86 passengers and 10 crew members.
During the takeoff roll, the crew reported a loud noise accompanied by vibrations and an abnormal lateral movement toward the right side of the aircraft. The pilot observed erratic EPR (Engine Pressure Ratio) and N1 indications, suggesting a compressor stall in the right engine. Following established Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures, the crew decided to abort the takeoff.
After the stop, the air traffic controller informed the pilot that black smoke was visible emanating from the right engine. The pilot checked the instrument panel and subsequently shut down the right engine. Upon confirming there was no active fire, the aircraft returned to platform 2, where all passengers and crew were disembarked without injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right engine.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation focused on examining the mechanical condition of the engines and reviewing maintenance records. Investigators performed a visual inspection and borescope examination of the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217C engines. While the borescope did not reveal damage to the fan blades, compressor discs, or combustion chambers, the inspection identified that the sound-absorbing liner of the rear outer fan duct had partially detached (approximately 50% of its total size). The investigation is ongoing, with plans to send the engine to a maintenance organization to determine the root cause.