What happened
On July 13, 2022, at 21:14 UTC, an Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW, registration YV3052, operated by CONVIASA, was performing a scheduled flight from General Manuel Carlos Piar Airport in Puerto Ordaz to La Chinita International Airport in Maracaibo. The aircraft was carrying 86 people, including 80 passengers and 6 crew members.
During the initial climb, the aircraft's Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) displayed two amber cautionary alerts regarding bleed valve overpressure (BLEED 1 OVERPRESS and BLEED 2 OVERPRESS). Following standard procedures, the crew performed the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) checklist, which temporarily cleared the alerts. The flight crew then continued the climb to FL200 to monitor the aircraft's pressurization.
Upon reaching FL200, the cabin altitude and pressure indicators began providing conflicting information. Due to these technical discrepancies, the crew decided to cancel the flight to Maracaibo and divert to Maiquetía International Airport. The crew requested a descent to FL120 to maintain stable cabin pressure indications. The aircraft landed at Maiquetía without further incident, and all passengers and crew were unharmed.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation examined the maintenance records, flight logs, and crew documentation. Investigators performed inspections of the aircraft's control panel and identified a damaged component within the pneumatic system. Specifically, the investigation focused on the high stage valve.
Following the inspection, the damaged part (Part N° 73030-1001246-1, Model EC70B) was removed in accordance with the Embraer 190 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). A replacement valve of the same specification was installed. The aircraft's airworthiness and maintenance history were verified as current at the time of the event.