Incident Overview
• Operator: Swiss International Airlines
• Aircraft Model: Bombardier C-Series CS-300 (Airbus A220-300)
• Registration: HB-JCD
• Flight Number: LX-1885
• Route: Bucharest Otopeni (Romania) to Zurich (Switzerland)
• Date: 23 December 2024
• Occupants: 74 passengers, 5 crew
Incident Summary
Swiss International Airlines flight LX-1885 encountered a severe in-flight emergency due to an uncontained engine failure and subsequent smoke in the cockpit and cabin. The crew declared an emergency and diverted to Graz, Austria, where the aircraft landed safely but required immediate evacuation. Tragically, one flight attendant succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. The aircraft sustained significant damage, including a seized left-hand engine (PW1524G) with a fractured main shaft.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure and Climb:
The flight departed Bucharest Otopeni and was en route at FL400, 20nm east-northeast of Graz, Austria.
2. Emergency Declaration:
The crew reported smoke in the cockpit and cabin, declared an emergency, and initiated a diversion to Graz.
3. Landing and Evacuation:
The aircraft landed on Graz’s runway 34 approximately 19 minutes after the decision to divert. Passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft, with one flight attendant requiring immediate medical attention.
4. Casualties and Medical Response:
• A rescue helicopter transported a critically injured flight attendant to the hospital, who passed away on 30 December 2024 due to hypoxic brain damage and pre-existing health conditions.
• 17 passengers and other crew members required medical attention.
Investigative Findings
1. Cause of Smoke:
• An oil leak in the left-hand engine led to an uncontained failure, causing smoke to fill the cabin.
• The engine’s main shaft was found fractured, and the engine was rendered inoperable.
2. Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE):
• The deceased flight attendant had used a PBE during the emergency. Investigations revealed that the PBEs, identified as error-prone in 2023, were being replaced across the fleet, though not completed on this aircraft.
• Concerns were raised regarding the condition and handling of the PBEs after the incident.
3. Investigation Handling:
• Allegations of improper handling of evidence, including the PBEs, emerged, raising questions about the chain of custody.
• Authorities in Austria and Switzerland are collaborating to determine if procedural lapses contributed to delays in the investigation.
4. Aircraft Damage:
• The left engine was severely damaged and is being replaced.
• The investigation is focusing on engine design, maintenance, and operational procedures.
Operational Impact
• The aircraft remains out of service in Graz as of 22 January 2025.
• A replacement aircraft transported passengers to Zurich the following day, resulting in a delay of approximately 12.5 hours.
Safety Actions
Swiss International Airlines has initiated a comprehensive review of maintenance practices, equipment reliability, and crew training. Investigative authorities are reviewing the use of PBEs and their role in protecting crew health during emergencies.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the facts and information available as of 22 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or absolute correctness of the details provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them to be removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
