2021 RAVSA McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 oil strainer clogging event (YV3499)

Event Overview On 10 October 2021 at 13:17 UTC, aircraft registration YV3499, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 (serial 49392) operated by Rutas Aereas de Venezuela RAV, S.A. (RAVSA), departed Aeropuerto Internacional “Simón Bolívar” (SVMI) in Maiquetía, Edo. La Guaira, Venezuela, bound for Aeropuerto Internacional “Las Américas” Dr. José Francisco Peña Gómez (MDSD) in the Dominican Republic. During initial climb, the aircraft displayed an OIL STRAINER CLOGGING light. The crew performed the applicable QRH procedure and decided to return to SVMI. The aircraft carried 9 crew and 39 passengers, all of whom were unharmed, and the aircraft was reported undamaged. The source states a maximum takeoff weight of 72,727 kg and 36,071.36 lbs of fuel. ## Aircraft and Certifications The aircraft was a commercial aviation aircraft in public air transport service. Its FAA type certificate was A6WE, Revision 30. At the time of the event, the aircraft was airworthy under a valid certificate of airworthiness from the state of registry, with maintenance records on file. ## Crew The pilot-in-command, age 61, held an Airline Transport Pilot—Airplane license and medical certificate issued by INAC, valid through 09/02/2022, with Instrument Flight and MD80 Captain/PIC ratings. The source states 7,000 hours as PIC on the model and 17,500 total hours. The first officer, age 30, held a Commercial Pilot—Airplane license and medical certificate issued by INAC, valid through 15/10/2021, with Instrument Flight and MD80 Copilot/SIC ratings. The source states 100 hours as copilot on the model and 420 total hours. ## Investigation Activities Investigators photographed the aircraft, interviewed the flight crew, and requested maintenance and crew documentation. They inspected and tested the engine #1 (LH) oil pressure system, recording the activities. The engine #1 oil filter was removed and carbon was found in all filter cells. Maintenance records showed that filter had been installed on 07/10/2021 during a gear box replacement. The oil filter and engine oil were changed, the system was evaluated, and engine start tests were satisfactory. A borescope by NDI Inspección, C.A. showed minimal, non-generalized blade erosion, allowing continued operation under the operational manual until replacement by calendar hours or time, whichever occurred first. ## Maintenance and Notifications The last preventive and scheduled maintenance services were performed by OMAC-N 441 Servicios Tecnicos Aeronauticos del Zulia, C.A. The investigation was in the analysis phase for technical, operational, and documentary information. Under ICAO Annex 13 Chapter 4, the event was notified via JIAAC form 047/2021 and reported to the ICAO ADREP system. The United States, as state of design and manufacture, was notified by email; the NTSB was identified as the investigation authority for the state of design and manufacture. The preliminary report was issued by the DGOAST (Junta Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación Civil) under the Ministry of Transport in Caracas on 25 October 2021. All times are UTC; Venezuela time is UTC-4.