Venezuelan DC-9-82 aborted takeoff after right engine compressor stall (YV3499)

Incident overview and aircraft details On 17 August 2025 at 15:30 UTC, a Douglas Aircraft Company DC-9-82, registration YV3499, serial number 49392, departed from Simón Bolívar International Airport (SVMI) in Maiquetía, Estado La Guaira, Venezuela, bound for General en Jefe Santiago Mariño International Airport (SVMG) in Margarita, Estado Nueva Esparta. The aircraft was owned by Rutas Aereas de Venezuela S.A. (RAVSA) and was a twin-engine, turbofan-powered land aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217 engines manufactured by Boeing Company. Its maximum takeoff weight was 67,800 kg (149,495.500 lbs), and it was classified under commercial aviation for public air transport service. At the time of the event, the aircraft held a valid certificate of airworthiness issued by the state of registration, and its insurance was also current. The last preventive and scheduled maintenance services were performed by OMAC N° 441, Servicios Técnicos Aeronáuticos del Zulia, C.A., located at Simón Bolívar International Airport. ## Crew, passengers, and operational context The flight carried 159 people aboard: a flight crew consisting of a pilot, a copilot, and seven cabin crew members, along with 150 passengers. The pilot, aged 63, held a valid medical certificate, aeronautical license, and ratings issued by the Venezuelan aeronautical authority INAC, including Instrumental Flight and MD80 Captain/PIC ratings valid until 10 September 2025. The copilot, aged 29, also held valid credentials, including Instrumental Flight and MD80 Copilot/SIC ratings valid until 5 November 2025. Meteorological conditions during the day were calm winds, unlimited visibility, and generally good weather. ## Event sequence and immediate response During the takeoff roll, the flight crew heard a loud noise from the right engine, attributed to a compressor stall, defined in the source as a loss of compressor or interruption of airflow through the compressor. The crew immediately applied the procedure established in the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and aborted the takeoff, returning to the apron without incident. All passengers and crew members were unharmed, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. ## Investigation and maintenance findings The investigation included interviews with the flight crew and the collection of documents such as identity cards, licenses, medical certificates, flight logs, and flight plans. Additional documents were requested from the operator, including the certificate of registration, airworthiness certificate, radio station license, insurance policy, and acoustic certification. Maintenance records and certificates were also obtained from OMAC N° 441. Troubleshooting conducted in accordance with AMM 72-00-04, pages 127/133, items 15, identified a failure in the Pressure Ratio Bleed Control component, which was replaced on a condition basis. A borescope inspection was performed, and after the replacement of the Pressure Ratio Bleed Control, satisfactory checks were completed, leaving the aircraft operational. Photographic documentation was also taken. The investigation was in the process of analyzing technical, operational, and documentary information for the preparation of the final report. Notifications were made in accordance with Chapter 4 of Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, including reporting to the ICAO ADREP system and notifying the United States of America as the state of design and manufacture. The United States responded by assigning an accredited representative. The preliminary information is subject to changes and may contain errors, which will be corrected upon completion of the final report. All times are in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), with Venezuela's local time being UTC-4:00.