What happened
On July 8, 2021, at 20:30 UTC, an Antonov AN-28, registration YV2773, operated by Arenas Airlines C.A., was performing a flight from La Paragua Airport to Canaima National Park Airport. The aircraft was carrying two crew members.
During the initial climb phase, approximately 13 nautical miles from the departure aerodrome, the pilot in command observed a temperature reading of 640°C on the left engine turbine wheel, accompanied by low oil pressure in the same engine. In response to these indications, the pilot reduced power to the left engine and decided to return to La Paragua. During the approach, the pilot noted that the oil pressure continued to decrease. Following established Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) emergency procedures, the crew shut down and feathered the engine.
Upon landing, the aircraft drifted toward the left side of the runway. While the aircraft remained within the runway boundaries, the left wing's leading edge struck a bush located in the safety area. The two crew members were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained damage to the wing structure.