What happened
On December 1, 2021, at 17:21 UTC, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82, registration YV3475, operated by RUTAS AÉREAS DE VENEZUELA RAV, SA., was performing a flight from General Santiago Mariño International Airport (SVMG) in El Yaque to Jacinto Lara Airport (SVBM) in Barquisimeto.
While the aircraft was descending through 5,000 to 8,000 feet, the crew reported hearing a loud noise followed by the loss of engine parameters on engine number three. Despite the mechanical failure, there were no injuries to the occupants, and the aircraft was able to continue its operations.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation included an analysis of maintenance records, flight logs, crew licenses, and weather reports. Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance and fuel loading documentation.
A maintenance organization, OMAC-N 441 SERVICIOS TÉCNICOS AERONÁUTICOS DEL ZULIA, C.A., performed troubleshooting on the engine in Barquisimeto on December 2, 2021. During this process, technicians identified a fault within the automatic reserve (ART) solenoid.
Findings
Technical inspections revealed that the solenoid in the ART unit was shorted and operating at high temperature. This electrical short caused the engine to surge to maximum power, resulting in the loud noise and subsequent loss of engine parameters reported by the crew.