What happened
On May 1, 2022, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82, registration YV3499, operated by RAVSA, experienced a significant mechanical failure while en route from La Chinita International Airport (SVMC) in Maracaibo to Simón Bolívar International Airport (SVMI) in Maiquetía. While cruising at 27,000 feet, the aircraft experienced a sudden deceleration in the right engine, which resulted in a loss of power and the malfunction of the thrust levers.
Due to the engine failure, the flight crew initiated an emergency return to the departure airport. The aircraft landed safely at La Chinita International Airport, and all 95 occupants (84 passengers and 11 crew members) were unharmed. There was no damage to the airframe reported following the landing.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation into the incident included interviews with the flight crew, a review of maintenance records, and photographic documentation of the aircraft components. Investigators also performed a borescope inspection of the engine components to identify internal damage.
As part of the ongoing process, the left engine was removed for further evaluation and sent for shop repairs. The investigation continues to determine the root cause of the power loss.