What happened
On June 12, 2023, at 18:30 UTC, a Rockwell International 690B, registration YV1998, was performing a flight from Maiquetia International Airport (SVMG) to Valencia (SVVA). The aircraft was carrying two crew members and four passengers. While cruising at 24,00 and miles from Higuerote, the crew noticed an RPM variation in the right engine. Following established procedures, the pilot shut down the engine and requested a descent to flight level 160. An attempt to restart the engine via the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures was unsuccessful. The crew declared a diversion to Caracas "Oscar Machado Zuloaga" Airport (SVCS), landing safely on runway 28. All occupants were uninjured, and the aircraft taxied to the ramp under its own power.
The investigation
Investigators from JIAAC conducted an inspection of the right engine at SVCS. During the examination, investigators found oil residue on the lower engine cowlings. Upon checking the oil level, it was discovered to be significantly below the minimum required level. Further inspection of the oil filter and filter adapter revealed metal fragments within the adapter cavity. Additionally, three of the four mounting points on the oil filter adapter were found to be fractured, which had allowed for component movement.
Findings
- The right engine oil level was critically low.
- Metal debris was present in the oil filter adapter.
- Structural failure of the oil filter adapter mounting points (three out of four points were fractured).
- Presence of oil residue on the lower engine cowlings.