Incident Overview
• Date: January 20th, 2025
• Aircraft: Airbus A330-300
• Registration: HB-JHM
• Operator: Swiss International Airlines
• Flight Number: LX-66
• Route: Zurich (Switzerland) to Miami, FL (USA)
• Passengers and Crew: 123 people on board
• Location: 330nm west of Brest, France, over the Atlantic Ocean/Celtic Sea
• Outcome: Safe return to Zurich
Summary of Events
Swiss International Airlines flight LX-66, operated by an Airbus A330-300 (registration HB-JHM), departed Zurich bound for Miami. While enroute at FL340 over the Atlantic Ocean, one of the pilots became unwell, prompting the crew to declare a PAN PAN emergency.
The aircraft descended slightly to FL330, turned around, and returned to Zurich for a precautionary landing. The aircraft landed overweight but safely on runway 16 approximately two hours after the decision to return.
Timeline of Events
1. Departure from Zurich:
• Flight LX-66 departed Zurich bound for Miami, cruising at FL340.
2. Pilot Illness Reported:
• Approximately 330nm west of Brest, France, the crew declared PAN PAN, reporting a pilot was unwell.
3. Return to Zurich:
• The aircraft descended to FL330 and initiated a return to Zurich.
4. Landing in Zurich:
• The Airbus landed overweight but safely on runway 16 approximately two hours after turning around.
5. Flight Cancellation:
• The return flight LX-67 was cancelled, and passengers were rebooked and compensated.
Aircraft and Crew Details
• Aircraft:
• Model: Airbus A330-300
• Registration: HB-JHM
• Designed for long-haul operations, equipped with advanced safety and monitoring systems.
• Crew:
• The affected pilot reportedly felt unfit to continue duties, a precautionary measure prompted the return.
Passenger Impact
• The 123 passengers on board were rebooked onto other flights and compensated by the airline for the inconvenience.
• The airline assured passengers that the decision to return was made with safety as the top priority.
Safety Protocols and Considerations
1. Crew Health Monitoring:
• Swiss International Airlines followed standard operating procedures, prioritizing the health of the crew and safety of passengers.
2. Overweight Landing:
• The A330 is designed to handle overweight landings with enhanced braking and structural tolerance.
• Maintenance inspections would be conducted post-landing to ensure airworthiness.
3. Passenger Reaccommodation:
• Swiss International Airlines demonstrated proactive communication and customer care by rebooking and compensating passengers.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the importance of crew health during flight operations and the effectiveness of Swiss International Airlines’ safety protocols. The crew’s prompt decision to return ensured the well-being of all on board, highlighting the airline’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of January 20th, 2025. For copyright concerns, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
