Introduction
On December 8, 2025, at 14:29 UTC, a Boeing 737-3Q8 registered as YV3063 (serial number 26311) operated by RUTACA AIRLINES (Rutas Aereas, C.A.) was conducting a scheduled passenger flight from General Jacinto Lara International Airport in Barquisimeto, Lara State, to General Juan Vicente Gómez International Airport in San Antonio del Táchira, Táchira State. The aircraft carried 109 passengers and 7 crew members.
Incident Details
During the takeoff roll on runway 09 at Barquisimeto, after completing the takeoff checklist, the flight crew set 40% engine power for initial verification. They then selected automatic takeoff power, which targeted 92.10% N1 for engine #1. However, engine #2 did not achieve the required power setting. The crew decided to abort the takeoff and returned the aircraft to the apron without further incident. All occupants remained uninjured, and the aircraft sustained no structural damage. Weather conditions at the time featured unlimited visibility, calm wind, and generally good weather throughout the day.
Investigation
The Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC) conducted the investigation. Investigators interviewed the flight crew and reviewed relevant documentation, including licenses, medical certificates, flight logs, and maintenance records. The aircraft had a valid airworthiness certificate issued by the Venezuelan National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC). The last scheduled maintenance had been performed by Organization of Aeronautical Maintenance (OMAC) No. 038 "Talleres Aeronauticos Mares S.R.L." at Tomás Heres Airport in Ciudad Bolívar.
A visual inspection of engine #2, following the manufacturer's Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) procedures, revealed a pneumatic leak through the fitting of the Precooler Valve sensor line. The leak was caused by a fractured hydraulic line. A borescope inspection of the low-pressure compressor (LPC), high-pressure compressor (HPC), high-pressure turbine (HPT), combustion chamber, nozzle guide vanes, and low-pressure turbine (LPT) found no damage. A "YUN TEST" per AMM 71-00-009 yielded satisfactory results.
Probable Cause
The JIAAC determined, based on inspections performed with the OMAC's technical maintenance staff, that the probable cause of the incident was the fracture of a hydraulic line, which resulted in a pneumatic leak through the fitting of the Precooler Valve sensor line.