Introduction
On 20 March 2025, an Air Baltic Bombardier CS-300 (also known as Airbus A220-300), registration YL-AAV, operating flight LX2250 on behalf of Swiss International Air Lines from Zurich Airport (LSZH), Switzerland to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (LHBP), Hungary, experienced a nose landing gear system malfunction shortly after departure from runway 28. The crew stopped the climb at FL160 following a master caution indication and returned for a precautionary landing at Zurich.
Following a safe touchdown on runway 14, the aircraft came to a halt on the runway due to a nose gear anomaly, and was unable to vacate under its own power. Smoke was reported from the right main gear, and several components believed to be part of the gear assembly were later found on the departure runway. There were no injuries among the 117 persons on board.
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Flight & Incident Overview
• Aircraft Type: Bombardier CS-300 (Airbus A220-300)
• Operator: Air Baltic on behalf of Swiss International Air Lines
• Registration: YL-AAV
• Flight Number: LX2250
• Route: Zurich (LSZH) to Budapest (LHBP)
• Date: 20 March 2025
• Occupants: 117 (passengers and crew)
• Location of Occurrence: Climb-out from Zurich Airport, Switzerland
• Altitude at Detection: FL160
• Final Outcome: Safe return to Zurich; aircraft immobilised on runway 14
• Injuries: None reported
• Aircraft Damage: Suspected nose gear system damage and hydraulic fluid loss
• Runway Disruption: Runway 14 temporarily blocked; arrivals rerouted to runway 16
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Sequence of Events
1. Departure & Initial Climb
• The aircraft departed Zurich’s runway 28 on schedule for Budapest.
• Upon reaching FL160 during initial climb, the flight crew received a master caution warning associated with the aircraft’s landing gear system.
• Standard emergency checklists were executed, and a return to Zurich was initiated with ATC coordination.
2. In-Flight Decision Making
• Based on aircraft systems feedback and abnormal gear indications, the crew opted for a precautionary return, declaring a non-critical situation.
• The flight entered a holding pattern to burn fuel and prepare for approach while systems were monitored.
3. Approach and Landing
• The aircraft conducted a stable approach to runway 14 at Zurich.
• Landing occurred approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, with no reported difficulties during the final approach or touchdown.
• However, the aircraft was unable to vacate the runway under its own power due to nose gear irregularities.
4. Post-Landing Observations
• Airport rescue and fire services were deployed to inspect the aircraft on the runway.
• Smoke was observed emanating from the right main gear, likely due to overheating or fluid exposure.
• Inspection of runway 28, from which the aircraft had originally departed, revealed detached parts associated with the landing gear assembly.
• The aircraft remained on runway 14 for an extended period before being towed.
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Technical Findings and Preliminary Assessment
1. Landing Gear System Malfunction
• A hydraulic system failure affecting the nose landing gear strut was suspected as the primary cause of the in-flight master caution warning.
• Preliminary investigation identified a hydraulic fluid leak from the nose gear shock absorber, which may have compromised retraction functionality and ground steering.
2. Detached Components
• Ground crew recovered mechanical components believed to have detached during the takeoff roll from runway 28. These are likely from the oleo strut or actuator assembly, indicating possible mechanical failure of the gear shock absorption system.
• The cause of the detachment—whether fatigue, improper maintenance, or component failure—is subject to further technical examination.
3. Aircraft Design and Redundancies
• The Bombardier CS300 (A220-300) utilises a dual-channel landing gear control and monitoring system (LGCMU) with integrated hydraulic pressure sensors and fault detection logic.
• In the event of hydraulic anomalies, retraction may be inhibited and manual extension may be required; however, reports suggest gear extension was normal, but ground manoeuvring was impaired due to fluid loss and structural damage.
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Aftermath and Operational Impact
• Passenger Safety: All 117 passengers and crew disembarked safely following the incident. No injuries or medical events were reported.
• Runway Closure: Runway 14 at Zurich was temporarily closed following the aircraft’s immobilisation, requiring diversion of inbound traffic to runway 16.
• Maintenance & Aircraft Status:
• The aircraft was removed from service for in-depth inspection and repair.
• A detailed analysis of the landing gear assembly, hydraulic system, and maintenance history is underway by Air Baltic’s technical team and Swiss Aviation Safety personnel.
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Ongoing Investigation
• Authorities Involved:
• Swiss Accident Investigation Board (SUST) has been notified and may elect to open a formal investigation depending on findings.
• Air Baltic and Swiss are jointly conducting a technical review under EASA Part M and Part 145 oversight.
• FDR and System Logs:
• The aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and system logs from the LGCMU will assist in confirming whether gear actuation, strut compression, or retraction sequencing anomalies occurred.
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Conclusion
On 20 March 2025, an Air Baltic CS300 operating for Swiss Airlines as flight LX2250 returned to Zurich following an inflight landing gear system fault. The aircraft landed safely but was rendered immobile on runway 14 due to nose gear dysfunction, later attributed to suspected hydraulic fluid loss and component separation.
While the crew managed the situation effectively and no injuries occurred, the incident underscores the importance of early system fault detection and the robustness of standard operating procedures. Further analysis is required to determine the root cause of the gear malfunction and whether component fatigue or maintenance discrepancies played a role.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information and operator statements as of 21 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy, details are subject to change pending further investigation. If you are the licensed rights holder of any referenced content and wish it to be removed, please contact: takedown@cockpitking.com.
