What happened
On December 21, 2022, at 22:42 UTC, a commercial flight operated by LASER (Línea Aérea de Servicio Ejecutivo Regional C.A.) was performing its takeoff roll on runway 09 at Maiquetia International Airport (SVMI) in La Guaira, Venezuela. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-81 with registration YV480T, was bound for Santiago Mariño International Airport (SVMG).
During the takeoff acceleration phase, the pilot noticed that the Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR) indicator for the left engine had stopped at a value of 1.4. In response to this instrument abnormality, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff and requested a return to the terminal apron. The aircraft returned to the gate without further incident; there were no injuries among the 152 occupants, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed flight documentation, including the flight plan, weight and balance calculations, and passenger manifests. The crew members were interviewed, and maintenance records for the aircraft were examined.
Technical inspections focused on the left engine (Engine 1). Investigators performed ground power runs on both engines, testing them with and without the automatic acceleration system engaged. During these tests, all engine parameters remained within normal operating limits, and the EPR indicator functioned correctly. Additionally, the pressure take-off piping from the turbine exit of the Pt7 engine was inspected and found to be free of leaks.
Findings
- The takeoff was aborted due to a malfunction of the left engine's EPR indicator during the acceleration roll.
- Ground testing following the event showed that the engines were operating within normal parameters and the instrument was functioning correctly during subsequent tests.