What happened
On August 21, 2022, at 16:29 UTC, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 (registration YV3465) operated by LASER Airlines C.A. was preparing for a scheduled flight from Maiquetía International Airport (SVMI) to Maturín (SVMT). The aircraft was carrying 101 people, including the crew and 92 passengers.
During the takeoff roll, the flight crew observed erroneous indications regarding the N1, N2, and EGT parameters on the right engine. In response to these discrepancies, the pilots decided to abort the takeoff. The aircraft successfully vacated the runway without further incident, and the passengers were subsequently disembarked at the apron.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation included a review of maintenance records, crew documentation, and flight logs. Investigators also conducted interviews with the crew and performed photographic documentation of the aircraft.
During the inspection of the right engine, investigators identified a leak in the PT7 hydraulic line. To rectify the issue, the airline's maintenance organization (OMAC N°475) replaced the faulty hydraulic line in the presence of INAC airworthiness inspectors and the lead investigator. Following the replacement, a ground run of the right engine was performed, which confirmed that the propulsion system was operating within prescribed parameters.
Findings
- A leak in the PT7 hydraulic line on the right engine was identified as the source of the erroneous engine indications (N1, N2, and EGT) observed during the takeoff roll.