Incident Overview
On September 29, 2021, at 22:45 UTC, aircraft registration YV3465, operated by Línea Aérea de Servicio Ejecutivo Regional (LASER Airlines), departed Simón Bolívar International Airport (SVMI) in Venezuela for Punta Cana International Airport (MDPC) in the Dominican Republic. The aircraft was a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD83), serial number 49452, powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 turbofan engines.
Event Description
During the climb phase to a cruise altitude of 8,000 feet, the crew reported strong vibrations originating from the left engine. The flight deck team verified that both engines' operational parameters remained within normal limits and confirmed the vibration source by reducing power on the left engine. The pilot in command decided to return to SVMI without declaring an emergency. The aircraft landed safely with no injuries to occupants and no external damage reported.
Investigation Findings
The Venezuelan Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Board (JIAAC) conducted a preliminary investigation, including visual inspections and data recovery from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). The FDR data corroborated the crew's testimony regarding engine parameters. Notably, the aircraft lacked engine vibration sensors, so this specific parameter was not recorded.
A borescope inspection of the left engine revealed a fractured blade in the first turbine stage. The detached fragment impacted and damaged blades in subsequent turbine stages (2, 3, and 4) as well as stators. Debris was found in the nozzle, and the exit cone was missing. The compressor and combustion chamber showed no discrepancies.
Regulatory Actions
The engine was placed under investigation custody for further expert analysis to determine the root cause. LASER Airlines was advised to establish procedures for disconnecting the CVR during engine shutdown to prevent overwriting of flight data with taxi recordings. Notifications were sent to the ICAO, NTSB, and other relevant authorities in accordance with Annex 13.