Turpial Airlines Flight 737-4H6 Fuel Filter Bypass Incident (YV621T)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On April 17, 2023, at 14:17 UTC, a Boeing 737-4H6 with registration YV621T and serial number 27352, operated by Turpial Airlines, C.A., was preparing for departure from Arturo Michelena International Airport (SVVA) in Valencia, Venezuela, bound for Las Américas International Airport (MDSD) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The aircraft was a twin-engine turbofan with CFM International CFM-56-3C-1 engines, each producing a maximum thrust of 21,850 lbs, and had a maximum takeoff weight of 62,822 kg (138,500 lbs). It was equipped with a retractable tricycle landing gear and held valid certificates of registration, airworthiness, and radio station issued by Venezuela's INAC. ## Event Sequence and Crew During the takeoff roll, the right fuel filter bypass warning light illuminated. In accordance with company procedures and the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), the crew aborted the takeoff and returned the aircraft to the platform under its own power. The flight carried 137 people: a pilot, a copilot, five cabin crew members, two additional crew members, and 128 passengers. The pilot, aged 42, and copilot, aged 34, both held valid medical certificates, licenses, and ratings issued by INAC, including instrument flight and B734 type ratings. ## Investigation and Maintenance Actions The investigation, conducted by Venezuela's Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAA) under the Ministry of Transport, included crew interviews, maintenance records review, and documentation from the operator. Maintenance organization OMAC N° 683 Turpial Airlines, C.A., based at Arturo Michelena International Airport, performed a fault-finding procedure per AMM 71-00-46 and inspected the fuel filter per AMM 73-11-02. The fuel filter cartridge was subsequently removed and replaced. The investigation was in the analysis phase as of the preliminary report date of April 24, 2023, with the final report pending. ## Notifications and Meteorological Conditions In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, Chapter 4, the incident was reported to the ICAO ADREP system and the United States was notified as the state of design and manufacture. The U.S. responded by assigning an accredited representative. Weather conditions at the time were favorable, with zero-knot winds, unlimited visibility, and generally good conditions throughout the day.