What happened
On April 29, 2023, at 11:34 UTC, a British Aerospace Jetstream 3100, registration YV2972, was performing a local flight from Maiquetia International Airport (SVMI) to El Gran Roque Aerodrome (SVRS). The aircraft, operated by Blue Star Aviation C.A., was carrying 14 people, including two crew members and 12 passengers.
During the initial climb, while passing through a safety altitude of 400 feet, the flight crew performed a checklist during which the captain identified that the ground steering was isolated. Due to the narrow and short runway characteristics at the destination aerodrome in El Gran Roque, which offered limited maneuvering margin, the crew decided to return to Maiquetia. The aircraft landed on runway 10 Left approximately seven minutes after takeoff, utilizing braking and asymmetric engine power to complete the landing. There were no injuries and no structural damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation included interviews with the flight crew and a review of their licenses and medical certifications. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, including airworthiness certificates and component controls. A visual inspection and photographic documentation of the aircraft were performed, specifically focusing on the condition of the steering mechanism. Maintenance personnel from Blue Star Aviation subsequently replaced the steering wheel in accordance with the manufacturer's manual.