2023 Boeing 737-38B aborted takeoff at La Chinita International Airport (HI1089)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On April 19, 2023, at 15:50 UTC, a Boeing 737-38B with registration HI1089 and serial number 25124 was preparing for a flight from La Chinita International Airport in Maracaibo, Venezuela (SVMC), to Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (MDSD). The aircraft, owned by Sky High Aviation Services Dominicana, S.A., was carrying six people: a pilot, a copilot, and four crew members. The aircraft is a twin-engine, land-based turbofan jet manufactured by Boeing Aircraft Company. It features a retractable tricycle landing gear and is powered by two CFM International CFM-56-3-B1 engines, each with a maximum thrust of 21,500 lbs. The maximum takeoff weight is 63,272.05 kg (139,491 lbs). The aircraft held valid certificates of registration, airworthiness, and radio station issued by the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), the aircraft's state of registration authority. ## Event Sequence During the initial takeoff roll, the aircraft's takeoff configuration warning alarm activated. The captain immediately aborted the takeoff, and the aircraft returned to the loading platform under its own power. ## Crew and Operational Status The pilot, aged 50, held a valid medical certificate, aeronautical license, and ratings issued by the Venezuelan aeronautical authority (INAC), including Instrument Flight and B732/B733 Captain/PIC ratings. The copilot, aged 46, held a valid medical certificate, aeronautical license, and ratings for Multiengine Airplanes, DC-9, EMB-120, CE-660, and B-737. The operator did not have a registered aircraft maintenance organization with INAC. The crew included an aircraft maintenance technician licensed by the state of registration to perform minor repairs necessary for the aircraft's correct operation. ## Investigation Findings The investigation included notification of the event, requests for complete documentation of the pilot and copilot, maintenance reports and records, crew interviews, operator documents, and certificates of registration, airworthiness, and insurance. A reconfiguration of the flight deck for takeoff determined that the speed brake lever was out of position. Speed brake tests were conducted in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) 27-62-00 and AMM 27-09-71. ## Meteorological Conditions Weather conditions during the event were winds of 0 knots, unlimited visibility, and generally good weather throughout the day. ## International Notifications In accordance with Chapter 4 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, notifications were generated. The event was reported to the ICAO ADREP system. The United States of America, as the state of design and manufacture, was notified via email and assigned an accredited representative. The investigation is currently in the process of analyzing technical, operational, and documentary information for the preparation of the final report.