A SWISS International Air Lines Airbus A330-300 aircraft, operating Flight LX55 to Zurich, aborted its takeoff at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on September 16. The incident occurred after the right engine experienced a malfunction, leading to visible flames and thick smoke. All passengers and crew remained safe, and the aircraft returned to its gate shortly after the event.
Key Takeaways
- A SWISS A330-300 aborted takeoff due to a right engine issue.
- Flames and smoke were observed from the engine.
- All passengers and crew were confirmed safe.
- The aircraft returned to the gate and passengers were rebooked.
- An investigation by SWISS and the FAA is underway.
Incident Details at Boston Logan
The event took place on September 16, during the aircraft's departure roll on runway 22R. The Airbus A330-300, registered as HB-JHM, was scheduled to fly as LX55 from Boston to Zurich Airport (ZRH). As the plane accelerated, flames and a plume of dark smoke emerged from the right engine.
Air traffic controllers observed the visible smoke and notified the flight crew. Initially, the cockpit crew believed the situation was manageable and did not request immediate assistance. However, after the controller's alert, pilots shut down both engines and called for fire crews.
Aircraft Information
- Aircraft Type: Airbus A330-300
- Registration: HB-JHM
- Age: 12 years
- Engines: 2 Rolls Royce Trent 772
Emergency Response and Safety Protocols
Emergency responders arrived on the runway within minutes of the pilots' request. Passengers remained onboard the aircraft during this initial phase. According to reports from PYOK, the crew followed standard safety procedures, which helped prevent any panic in the cabin.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 6:25 PM local time. The FAA stated that the crew stopped their takeoff due to engine problems. Some incoming flights at Boston Logan were briefly paused to ensure safety while the situation was handled.
"The crew followed standard safety procedures, ensuring there was no panic in the cabin," a source reported.
Aircraft Returns to Gate
Within 15 minutes of the aborted takeoff, the Airbus A330 taxied back to its designated gate. It was escorted by emergency vehicles. This rapid return highlights the effectiveness of airport ground operations and the crew's control over the aircraft.
Once at the gate, passengers were safely deplaned. SWISS International Air Lines arranged for these passengers to be rebooked onto alternative flights to Zurich. Importantly, no injuries were reported among any passengers or crew members during the incident.
Importance of Aborted Takeoff Procedures
Aborting a takeoff is a critical safety procedure. It is performed when a problem is detected before the aircraft reaches a certain speed, known as V1. Pilots are extensively trained to make quick decisions in such situations, prioritizing the safety of everyone on board. This incident demonstrates the value of rigorous pilot training and adherence to established protocols.
Ongoing Investigation and Aircraft Status
The affected aircraft, HB-JHM, remains grounded at Boston Logan International Airport. It is currently undergoing a thorough inspection. Engineers are collaborating with SWISS technical teams and Rolls Royce representatives to pinpoint the exact cause of the engine malfunction.
Early assessments suggest an isolated issue with the engine. However, both SWISS and the FAA have confirmed that a full investigation is underway. This detailed examination aims to understand why the incident occurred and to implement any necessary preventative measures.
Reliability of Airbus A330-300
Despite this incident, the Airbus A330-300 type has a strong safety record. Incidents of this nature, involving significant engine issues during takeoff, are rare. Aviation experts often point to the crew’s swift decision-making to abort takeoff as evidence of effective emergency training and adherence to safety protocols.
The 12-year-old aircraft is a workhorse in many airline fleets globally. Its design and maintenance standards are robust. Investigations like this ensure that these standards are continuously met and improved.
Passenger Reassurance and Airline Statement
SWISS International Air Lines confirmed that all affected passengers were provided with new arrangements for their travel to Zurich. In its official statement, the airline emphasized that passenger safety is its highest priority. SWISS also stated its full cooperation with all investigating authorities.
The carrier also confirmed that the aircraft will not return to service until the issue is fully resolved and deemed safe for flight operations. This commitment underscores the airline's focus on maintaining high safety standards.
This event, while visually dramatic, highlights the effectiveness of modern aviation safety procedures. The quick actions by the pilots, the support from air traffic control, and the rapid response of airport fire services collectively ensured that a potentially serious emergency concluded without any injuries.
TravModo will continue to monitor developments in this investigation and provide updates as they become available.
