SWISS Airbus Emergency Landing: Crew Member Dies After 'Unknown Fault Pattern'

On December 23, 2024, a SWISS International Air Lines Airbus A220 performing flight LX1885 from Bucharest to Zurich was forced to make an emergency landing in Graz, Austria. The aircraft, carrying 74 passengers and five crew members, experienced severe technical difficulties when smoke began filling both the cockpit and cabin. The emergency situation prompted an immediate diversion to Graz Airport, where passengers evacuated the aircraft using emergency slides.

Initial investigations have revealed a 'previously unknown fault pattern' in one of the aircraft's engines, marking this as a significant technical incident in aviation safety. The affected engine will undergo detailed examination by manufacturer Pratt & Whitney in the United States. The Graz public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation focusing on negligent bodily harm, while technical experts work to understand the precise cause of the engine malfunction that led to smoke entering the aircraft.

In what has become the most serious incident in SWISS's 23-year history, one crew member tragically died in hospital following the emergency landing. Another crew member was hospitalized but has since been discharged. Of the 74 passengers on board, twelve required medical attention following the evacuation. The incident has deeply affected the airline, with SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger and COO Oliver Buchhofer describing it as 'a dark day' in a joint statement.

SWISS has initiated comprehensive safety reviews of its A220 fleet, which consists of 30 aircraft including 21 long-haul and nine short-haul versions. The airline has previously experienced engine issues with its A220 models, making this incident particularly concerning for the carrier's safety protocols. The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) has been notified, and both Airbus and the engine manufacturer have been involved in the investigation process. This incident has prompted renewed focus on the A220's engine reliability and safety measures.