Flight EI-493 | Registration: EI-DEE
Date: 14 January 2025 | Location: Dublin International Airport (EIDW), Ireland
Flight Details
Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-214 Engines: 2 × CFM International CFM56-5B4 Operator: Aer Lingus Registration: EI-DEE Flight Number: EI-493 Callsign: EIN493 Route: Faro Airport (LPFR), Portugal to Dublin International Airport (EIDW), Ireland Date of Incident: 14 January 2025 Total Occupants: Estimated 160 (passengers and crew) Weather Conditions: Under investigation; typical winter conditions expected
Introduction
On 14 January 2025, Aer Lingus flight EI-493 from Faro to Dublin encountered an unusual attitude and aircraft upset during final approach to runway 28L at Dublin International Airport. The incident led the flight crew to immediately initiate a missed approach at approximately 1,900 feet AGL. After recovering from the upset and regaining a stabilised condition, the crew positioned for a second approach and landed safely approximately 10 minutes later. The Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) subsequently classified the event as an aircraft upset and level overshoot incident and commenced a formal investigation.
Sequence of Events
Flight EI-493, an Airbus A320 registered EI-DEE, was on a routine scheduled flight from Faro, Portugal, to Dublin, Ireland. The aircraft was in the latter stages of its descent and had received clearance from ATC to intercept the ILS approach path for runway 28L at Dublin Airport.
As the aircraft was about to commence the final intercept turn at approximately 1,900 feet altitude, the flight crew encountered an unexpected and rapid departure from the commanded flight path, resulting in an unusual aircraft attitude—a condition classified as an “aircraft upset” in aviation safety terminology.
In response, the crew executed a standard upset recovery manoeuvre, promptly disconnecting autopilot/autothrust systems and taking manual control of the aircraft. This action stabilised the aircraft’s flight profile, with altitude deviations rapidly corrected. Following the recovery, the crew performed a missed approach procedure and coordinated with ATC for another approach.
After stabilising the aircraft and confirming all systems operating within normal parameters, the second approach was conducted successfully. The aircraft landed safely on runway 28L around 10 minutes after the initial missed approach.
Crew & Communication
The crew demonstrated effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) skills during the event. Initial reports indicate that the pilots quickly identified the upset, took manual control, and executed recovery procedures per Airbus’s recommended upset recovery technique:
Recognise and confirm upset condition Disconnect autopilot and autothrust immediately Stabilise attitude and thrust Recover to normal flight parameters
ATC recordings confirm clear and concise communication from the flight deck to Dublin Approach Control, declaring their need for a missed approach due to aircraft upset conditions. Coordination was prompt and precise, with Dublin ATC providing traffic separation and vectoring assistance.
Aircraft Systems & Technical Analysis
Preliminary information indicates the Airbus A320’s onboard systems were fully operational before and after the event. The flight control computers, air data inertial reference units (ADIRUs), and autopilot systems operated normally during previous flight phases.
The Irish AAIU investigation will likely examine several potential contributing factors, including:
Flight control software or sensor anomalies Environmental factors, such as unexpected turbulence or wind shear during turn-to-final Possible pilot input or configuration errors Aircraft loading and balance affecting pitch or roll characteristics Instrumentation reliability and accuracy (especially attitude and airspeed indicators)
The aircraft remained grounded briefly following landing for initial engineering checks but was returned to service after no immediate technical faults were identified.
Passenger Experience & Cabin Conditions
Passengers may have noticed an abrupt change in aircraft attitude and bank angle during the upset event. No injuries were reported, and cabin crew remained composed, quickly reassuring passengers. During the subsequent second approach, the flight continued normally, and passengers disembarked without further issues.
The event was brief and rapidly corrected by the crew’s decisive action, minimising the potential impact on passengers and crew.
Emergency Response & Aftermath
Due to the prompt recovery and stabilisation by the crew, the incident did not escalate to an emergency status. ATC granted priority handling for the subsequent approach, ensuring the aircraft landed swiftly without complication. Ground handling and maintenance personnel conducted initial checks and downloaded flight data and cockpit voice recordings as per standard incident protocols.
The aircraft, EI-DEE, returned to commercial service shortly after routine post-flight inspections found no immediate faults.
Investigation Status
The Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) formally opened an investigation on 11 April 2025, classifying the occurrence as an aircraft upset and level overshoot incident.
The investigation will involve a comprehensive review of:
Flight Data Recorder (FDR) analysis Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) audio examination Crew interviews and debriefing sessions Aircraft maintenance history and recent system checks Meteorological analysis (wind shear, turbulence data, and microburst possibilities) Air Traffic Control radar tracks and communications logs
A detailed review of operational documentation, flight crew training, and Aer Lingus standard operating procedures for upset prevention and recovery will also be conducted.
Root Cause & Contributing Factors
While a definitive cause awaits the AAIU investigation’s final conclusion, preliminary analysis suggests the upset event could involve factors such as:
Sudden environmental disturbances during the turn-to-final approach (wind shear or wake turbulence) Unexpected autopilot or flight control input anomalies Crew misinterpretation or delayed response to rapidly changing flight parameters
At this stage, the AAIU investigation has not yet determined the precise root cause.
Safety Recommendations & Industry Impact
While the investigation is ongoing, the aviation industry and Airbus operators should consider:
Reinforcement of upset prevention and recovery training programmes Awareness briefings highlighting possible environmental threats during final approach phases Ongoing verification of autopilot and flight control system performance and sensor accuracy
Further specific safety recommendations may arise upon publication of the AAIU final investigation report.
Conclusion
The safe outcome of Aer Lingus flight EI-493’s incident highlights the critical importance of effective pilot training, clear crew communication, and swift adherence to upset recovery procedures. Although the underlying cause of the event remains under investigation, the rapid identification and corrective action by the crew successfully prevented escalation and ensured passenger safety.
The incident provides an essential learning opportunity for the wider aviation community, emphasising the value of robust upset recovery protocols, comprehensive training, and proactive threat identification during critical flight phases.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and reports at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
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