What happened
On December 1, 2021, at 16:21 UTC, an Airbus A340-211, registration YV1004, operated by CONVIASA, was performing a takeoff from Maiquetía International Airport (SVMI) in La Guaira, Venezuela. The flight was scheduled to proceed to Toluca International Airport (MMTO) in Mexico.
During the initial climb phase, the flight crew received an alert indicating a fire in engine number 3. Following the manufacturer's emergency procedures and checklists, the crew attempted to manage the indication; however, as the fire warning persisted, they declared an emergency and initiated a return to Maiquetía International Airport. The aircraft landed safely on runway 10/28 without further incident. All occupants were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The Venezuelan JIAAC investigation is currently in its development phase, focusing on technical, operational, and documentary analysis. Investigators have interviewed the crew, reviewed maintenance records from the operator's maintenance organization (OMAC-N: 431), and examined flight logs and aircraft documentation. Meteorological conditions at the time of the event were reported as favorable. The investigation has notified the United States as the state of design and manufacture, with the NTSB acting as the relevant authority for that state.