What happened
On September 16, 2024, at 11:46 UTC, a Douglas DC-9-82, registration YV1240, operated by LÍNEA AÉREA DE SERVICIO EJECUTIVO REGIONAL, C.A. (LASER), departed from Maiquetia International Airport for Maracaibo. The flight was carrying 78 passengers and 7 crew members.
During the initial climb, at approximately 12:03 UTC, the aircraft reached 22,000 feet near Puerto Cabelle when the crew heard three consecutive loud bangs followed by vibrations. The commander observed oscillations in the Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR) instrument of the left engine and suspected a turbine stall. In response, the crew disconnected the autothrottle and reduced power to idle, which stabilized the engine and stopped the detonations. Following established Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures, the first officer coordinated with Maiquetia Area Control to request an emergency return. The aircraft landed safely at Maiquetia International Airport with no injuries to the passengers or crew.
The investigation
JIAAC investigators conducted a technical examination of the aircraft and its maintenance records. The investigation included interviews with the flight crew, inspections of the engine by airline maintenance technicians, and a detailed borescope inspection of the left engine. Authorities also reviewed the pilot licenses, medical certificates, and the maintenance history provided by the operator's certified maintenance organization (OMAC).
Findings
Borescope inspections of the left engine revealed the following:
- The presence of an unidentified granular material within the engine.
- Significant damage to the turbine blades, specifically material loss on the lower leading edge of T1 blades that exceeded allowable limits according to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).
- Dents on the leading edges of 28 T2 blades that were also outside of permissible maintenance limits.