Preliminary Investigation of a Boeing 737-4S3 Incident at Arturo Michelena Airport (YV613T)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On June 19, 2021, at 12:45 UTC, a Boeing 737-4S3 aircraft, registration YV613T, serial number 24795, operated by Turpial Airlines, C.A., was conducting a commercial passenger flight from Arturo Michelena Airport (SVVA) to Santo Domingo International Airport (SDQ). The aircraft was equipped with CFM56-3C-1/3B-2 engines and had a maximum takeoff weight of 66,000 kg. ## Operational Circumstances During the initial climb, the captain observed errors and fluctuations in the airspeed, vertical speed, and altimeter instruments. For safety reasons, the crew decided to return to the departure airport. The aircraft landed with minor damage, and all six crew members and 150 passengers were reported unharmed. ## Investigation Findings The preliminary investigation identified a pitot-static system issue affecting the captain's instruments. An air leak was found to be responsible for the faulty readings on the airspeed indicator, vertical speed indicator, and altimeter. The investigation, conducted by the Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Board (JIAAC), included interviews with the flight crew and internal and external inspections of the aircraft. ## Preventive Measures The JIAAC recommended testing the pitot-static system for air leaks and other irregularities in accordance with the Air Maintenance Manual. Additionally, follow-up on the corresponding maintenance order and rechecking for leaks were advised. ## Regulatory Notifications In accordance with Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the incident was reported to the ICAO ADREP system. The United States, as the state of design and manufacture, was notified, with the NTSB acting as the investigating authority for that state.