Flight AY-1434 | Registration: OH-LXI
Date: 31 March 2025 | Location: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (EDDB), Germany
Introduction
On 31 March 2025, a Finnair Airbus A320-200, registration OH-LXI, operating flight AY-1434 from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (EDDB), Germany, to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (EFHK), Finland, experienced an engine fire indication shortly after departure. The aircraft was climbing through approximately 4,000 feet after taking off from runway 25L when the crew received the warning for one of the aircraft’s CFM56 engines.
The crew took immediate action in line with standard operating procedures (SOPs), halted the climb, declared a precautionary return, and safely landed back at Berlin approximately 14 minutes after departure. There were no injuries, and no evacuation was required.
The aircraft remains on the ground in Berlin pending further technical inspection.
Flight Details
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-214
• Engines: 2 × CFM56-5B4/3
• Operator: Finnair
• Tail Number: OH-LXI
• Flight Number: AY-1434
• Callsign: FIN1434
• Departure Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (EDDB), Germany
• Destination Airport: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (EFHK), Finland
• Date of Incident: 31 March 2025
• Occupants: 160 (passengers and crew combined)
• Phase of Flight: Initial climb
• Altitude at Time of Alert: Approximately 4,000 feet
• Runway in Use: 25L
• Time of Occurrence: Approx. 10:20 local (08:20Z)
Sequence of Events
Departure and Initial Climb
Flight AY-1434 departed from runway 25L at Berlin Brandenburg Airport under normal conditions. Shortly after gear retraction, and during the initial climb phase, the crew received a fire indication for one of the CFM56 engines.
Emergency Response and Return
In accordance with emergency checklist protocols, the flight crew:
• Donned oxygen masks.
• Completed the engine fire drill, including discharging the fire extinguishing agent into the affected engine.
• Levelled off at 4,000 feet.
• Declared an emergency to ATC and requested vectors back to Berlin.
Air Traffic Control cleared the aircraft for an immediate return, and the crew conducted a safe landing on runway 25L approximately 14 minutes after departure. The aircraft vacated the runway and was met by airport emergency services for a routine inspection.
Post-Landing Actions
• Inspection: Upon landing, the aircraft was inspected by fire crews. No signs of active fire were visible externally. Further maintenance access was requested.
• Passenger Handling: No evacuation was necessary. All 160 occupants remained onboard until normal disembarkation at the terminal.
• Aircraft Status: As of 31 March 2025, the aircraft remains grounded in Berlin for in-depth engine diagnostics and system checks.
Technical Considerations
Engine Fire Indication System
Airbus A320 aircraft are equipped with advanced fire detection and suppression systems. Fire warnings may result from:
• Actual Engine Fire: Caused by fuel leaks, hot air duct failure, or oil system issues.
• False Alarm: Triggered by faulty sensors, chafed wiring, or environmental factors (e.g. moisture, APU exhaust contamination).
• Overheat Condition: May trigger the fire loop even without flame presence.
Investigation Focus
The Finnair engineering team and manufacturer representatives are expected to review:
• The engine’s fire detection loop for faults or thermal anomalies.
• EICAS and ECAM data logs from the aircraft’s onboard computers.
• Any visible heat distress on nacelle panels or cowling seals.
• The status of the fire bottle and discharge circuit.
At present, no confirmed root cause has been disclosed.
Weather and Environmental Data
• METAR at Time of Departure:
EDDB 310820Z 26006KT CAVOK 06/01 Q1022 NOSIG
Indicates clear skies, calm winds, and no meteorological complications that would have contributed to the incident.
Passenger and Operational Impact
• Flight Continuity: Passengers were deboarded at Berlin and rebooked on alternative flights to Helsinki.
• Delay: A replacement aircraft was not immediately available; delays extended into the afternoon.
• Public Communication: Finnair issued a brief statement confirming a precautionary return due to an onboard indication and affirmed the crew’s response was in full accordance with procedures.
Summary and Outlook
The engine fire indication aboard Finnair flight AY-1434 led to a prompt and professionally executed return to Berlin, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. While no visible damage or confirmed fire was reported post-landing, the aircraft remains out of service pending detailed analysis.
Given the potential implications of fire indications—even when false—the incident has been flagged for review by the airline’s safety and engineering departments. The German Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) and Finnair are cooperating in the examination, with the aircraft manufacturer expected to assist.
Disclaimer
This report is based on verified public sources and preliminary data available as of 31 March 2025. Final conclusions may change following the outcome of official investigations. If you are the rightful owner of any included content and wish for its removal, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
