Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-230, serial number 22127, registration YV380T, owned by Rutas Aereas, C.A. (RUTACA). It was a twin-engine land plane powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D-17 turbofan engines, each producing 12,600 lbs of thrust. The maximum takeoff weight was 58,105 kg (128,100 lb). The aircraft held valid certificates of registration and airworthiness issued by the Venezuelan civil aviation authority.
Incident Description
On 18 September 2023 at 11:20 UTC, the aircraft departed from Aeropuerto Internacional “Simón Bolívar” in Maiquetía, La Guaira (SVMI), bound for Aeropuerto Internacional “Mayor Buenaventura Vivas Guerrero” in San Antonio, Táchira (SVSO). On board were 27 people: a pilot, co-pilot, three cabin crew, and 22 passengers. During the climb to cruise altitude, a problem occurred with the left air conditioning system. The system failed to maintain pressurization. The captain immediately requested a return to the departure airport from Maiquetía Area Control Center. The aircraft landed without further incident, with all crew and passengers unharmed. The aircraft sustained minor damage.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Junta Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación Civil (JIAAC) of Venezuela. Documents were requested from the crew, the operator, and the maintenance organization (OMAC-N 038B1 Taller Aeronautico Mares, S.R.L.). A general system inspection revealed a misaligned door to the Electrical/Electronic (E/E) compartment. The door was adjusted and tested according to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM 52-48-41 and AMM 52-71-00), with satisfactory results. Weather conditions were calm with 0 KT wind, unlimited visibility, and generally good weather throughout the day.
Conclusion
The investigation did not state a probable cause. The incident was closed with the submission of the final report.