What happened
On November 19, 2022, at 17:25 UTC, a Boeing 727-2X3, registration HK4401, operated by Líneas Aéreas Suramericanas, departed from Maiquetia International Airport (SVMI) bound for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The aircraft was carrying 7 occupants and 4/2,000 lbs of fuel.
While cruising at 10 nautical miles north of position KABON, the pilot in command notified Curacao ACC of a crack appearing on the external layer of the left windshield section. Following established Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures and operator policies, the crew decided to return to the departure airport. The aircraft landed safely at SVMI at 18:20 UTC with no injuries and no additional damage to the airframe.
The investigation
The investigation involved reviewing flight plans, weight and balance calculations, passenger manifests, and maintenance records. Authorities also conducted interviews with the crew and performed a visual inspection of the windshield.
Investigators confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy at the time of the event, with valid maintenance records from an approved organization in Bogotá, Colombia. Following the incident, the left section 1 windshield was replaced by an on-board mechanic using a component provided by the operator, which was then sealed and subjected to a cabin pressurization test.
Findings
- The investigation confirmed cracking on the external layer of the left windshield section 1.
- The crew followed all necessary emergency procedures for the identified defect.