What happened
On June 19, 2023, at 18:00 UTC, a Boeing 727-227, registration HK5216, operated by Aerosucre, S.A., departed from La Chinita International Airport in Maracaibo, Venezuela, bound for El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia. The aircraft was carrying five crew members, including the pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, maintenance technician, and dispatcher.
Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew observed a fire indication in engine number one. In response to the alert, the crew immediately notified air traffic services and executed an emergency return to the departure airport. The aircraft landed safely at Maracaable without further incident. There were no injuries among the crew members, and the aircraft sustained no damage during the landing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on identifying the source of the engine fire indication. Authorities reviewed crew licenses, medical certificates, flight logs, and maintenance records. The investigation also included interviews with the crew and an examination of the operator's documentation, including airworthiness certificates and insurance policies.
Technical inspections were performed on the High Pressure Bleed-Air Control System. During the troubleshooting process, investigators identified a pneumatic leak originating from a loose clamp at the connection of the engine number one bleed air valve.
Findings
- The primary cause of the fire indication was a pneumatic leak caused by a loose clamp on the engine #1 bleed air valve connection.
- Following the discovery, the clamp was tightened, and subsequent engine start and acceleration tests showed no further variations in operating parameters.