Incident Overview
On August 17, 2025, at 15:30 UTC, a Douglas Aircraft Company DC-9-82 (registration YV3499, serial number 49392) departed Simón Bolívar International Airport (SVMI) in Maiquetía, Venezuela. The aircraft, operated by Rutas Aereas de Venezuela S.A. (RAVSA), was en route to General en Jefe Santiago Mariño International Airport (SVMG) in Margarita. The flight carried 155 individuals, comprising a crew of eight (pilot, co-pilot, and six cabin attendants) and 149 passengers.
Operational Sequence
During the initial climb phase, while crossing 12,000 feet, the flight deck reported hearing explosions from the right-hand engine. The pilot in command requested to maintain Flight Level 130 and initiated procedures outlined in the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH). After unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue, the crew shut down the affected engine and decided to return to the departure airport. The aircraft landed without further incident, and all personnel on board remained unharmed.
Aircraft and Maintenance Status
The aircraft is a twin-engine turbofan jet powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 engines, with a maximum takeoff weight of 67,800 kg. At the time of the event, the aircraft held a valid airworthiness certificate issued by the state of registry and maintained current insurance coverage. The last scheduled maintenance was performed by OMAC N° 441 Servicios Técnicos Aeronáuticos del Zulia, C.A., located at SVMI.
Crew Qualifications
The pilot in command, aged 63, held valid medical certification, an aeronautical license, and type ratings for the MD80 as Captain (PIC) and Instrument Flight, all current until September 2025. The co-pilot, aged 29, also possessed valid credentials, including an MD80 Second-in-Command (SIC) rating and Instrument Flight qualification, valid until November 2025. Both licenses were issued by the Venezuelan aeronautical authority, INAC.
Investigation Findings
Meteorological conditions at the time of the incident were calm with unlimited visibility and generally good weather. The investigation involved crew interviews, document collection from the operator and maintenance organization, and a borescope inspection of Engine No. 2. The inspection revealed erosion and corrosion on High Pressure Turbine (HPT) blades, as well as cracks in several combustion chambers (Chambers #1, #2, #5, #6, #7, and #8). Other components, including High Pressure Compressor (HPC) and Low Pressure Compressor (LPC) blades, showed no damage. Engine No. 2 was replaced and transferred for further forensic analysis by the manufacturer's state to determine the root cause. The investigation remains in the technical analysis phase pending these results.