A McDonnell Douglas MD-83 operated by Venezolana de Aviación was badly damaged during ground movement at Base Aérea El Libertador in Maracay, Venezuela, after its left wing struck a fixed obstacle near the runway threshold. The aircraft, registration YV-3499, was preparing for a flight to Porlamar when the incident occurred, and passengers and crew were evacuated without reported injuries.
The damage appears severe enough to take the 40-year-old aircraft out of service, with local coverage describing major structural damage on the left side and to the wing. Photographs and early reports indicate that a large section of the wing was torn away in the collision. Venezuelan aviation and security authorities were mentioned in local reporting, but no official finding on the cause has been released.
The event highlights the risks of taxi and ground operations at the military base, which also handles commercial departures. The incident is likely to affect fleet availability for Venezolana de Aviación, while questions remain over obstacle control and movement procedures at the airport area.