What happened
On July 16, 2023, at approximately 15:42 UTC, an Avior Airlines Boeing 737-232, registration YV2823, was performing a climb from Maiquetia International Airport (SVMI) toward Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The flight was carrying 77 people, including two crew members and 70 passengers.
While climbing to flight level FL260, the crew received an ENG N°1 FIRE OVERHEAT indication. In accordance with the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), the crew implemented emergency procedures and notified Maiquetia Area Control to initiate a return to the departure airport. During the subsequent descent, the crew also observed a cabin pressurization alarm. The pilots executed the necessary memory items and QRH procedures for a depressurization event, continuing the descent until reaching 10,000 feet.
The aircraft landed safely on runway 10 at Maiquetia International Airport. All passengers and crew members were uninjured, and the aircraft was taxied to the apron without further incident.
The investigation
The Venezuelan JIAAC investigation focused on several key areas, including interviews with the pilot and co-pilot, as well as a review of flight logs, maintenance records, and passenger manifests. Investigators also examined the aircraft's airworthiness certificate and the maintenance history provided by Avior Airlines' maintenance organization (OMAC).
Technical inspections were performed on the number one engine to investigate the overheat indication. This process included troubleshooting according to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), which involved the removal and installation of the fire overheat control box module, followed by operational testing. The tests yielded satisfactory results.