Incident Overview
On September 18, 2025, a Cessna Aircraft Company Model 551 with registration YV1776 departed from Oscar Machado Zuloaga International Airport (SVCS) in Charallave, Venezuela. The aircraft was operated by Inversiones 2567P C.A. and carried two crew members and four passengers on a flight to Santa Elena de Uairén Aerodrome (SVSE). During the initial climb, the flight proceeded normally until reaching Flight Level 270.
Operational Sequence
While approximately 70 nautical miles from the CBL VOR on radial 303, the pilot in command detected vibration in the number two engine. The crew notified Area Control Center of their intent to return to the departure airport and reduced power to minimum. After ten minutes, the vibration intensified. Following unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue using Quick Reference Handbook procedures, the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Ciudad Bolívar. They shut down the affected engine and descended to traffic level before receiving authorization to land from the tower. All occupants were unharmed.
Aircraft and Maintenance Status
The aircraft is a twin-engine turboprop (described as Turbofan in source, likely C550/551 series) powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4 engines. It had a maximum takeoff weight of 5,700 kg and was certified for airworthiness by INAC. The last preventive maintenance was performed on June 4, 2025, by Sanjines Aeronautical Solutions Corp. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had accumulated 10,998.5 flight hours.
Preliminary Findings
Inspection revealed unusual oil color and abundant metallic particles in the oil filter. Investigators observed slight rubbing between the fan and the case, as well as axial play in the fan shaft. Manual rotation of the fan produced sounds characteristic of dry metal-to-metal contact near bearing number one. The N2 rotor assembly showed no discrepancies. Preliminary analysis suggests premature damage to the number one bearing of the N1 rotor assembly, though final diagnosis awaits internal component evaluation.