In-Flight Engine Anomaly on a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 (YV1240) During Climb Out of Maiquetía

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 16 September 2024 at 11:46 UTC, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82, registration YV1240, serial number 49907, departed from Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, Venezuela, bound for La Chinita International Airport in Maracaibo. The aircraft was operated by Línea Aérea de Servicio Ejecutivo Regional, C.A. (LASER) and was carrying 78 passengers and 7 crew members. The aircraft was a twin-engine, land-based commercial transport aircraft powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217A turbofan engines, with a maximum takeoff weight of 142,000 lb. It held a standard airworthiness certificate issued by the Venezuelan aeronautical authority (INAC) and an FAA type certificate A6WE. ## Sequence of Events During the initial climb, the flight proceeded normally until 12:03 UTC, when the aircraft reached 22,000 feet abeam Puerto Cabello. The flight crew reported hearing three consecutive detonations followed by vibrations. The captain observed oscillations in the left engine's EPR (Engine Pressure Ratio) instrument and assumed a turbine stall. The crew immediately disconnected the autothrottle and reduced the left engine thrust to idle, which stopped the detonations and stabilized the engine. The first officer performed the applicable Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures. The crew notified the Maiquetía Area Control Center of the emergency and requested authorization to return to the departure airport. The aircraft landed without further incident at Maiquetía (SVMI). All passengers and crew were unharmed, and the aircraft retained the previously noted engine fault. ## Maintenance and Inspection Findings The last scheduled and preventive maintenance services were performed by the certified maintenance organization OMAC N°475, LASER, located at Simón Bolívar International Airport. A borescope inspection of the engine revealed no damage to the blades, but the presence of unknown granular material was noted. Material loss was found on the lower leading edge of T1 blades, and dents were observed on the leading edges of 28 T2 blades, both outside the limits specified in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM 72-00-00, page 698). ## Investigation Status and Notifications The investigation was conducted in accordance with Chapter 4 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The event was reported to the ICAO ADREP system under file number 032/2024. The United States, as the state of design and manufacture, was notified, and the NTSB designated an accredited representative. At the time of the report, the investigation was in the process of analyzing technical, operational, and documentary information, with the final report still pending.