The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has published its initial findings on the incident involving a Swiss International Air Lines flight that experienced an engine failure during take-off at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on April 26. The flight, LX147 bound for Zurich, had to abort take-off due to the left-hand engine malfunction, classified as a “serious incident” resulting in injuries to six individuals. With 232 passengers and 13 crew members on board, the Airbus A330-343 encountered the engine issue at a speed of approximately 106 knots.
Following the engine failure, the flight crew promptly notified air traffic control and requested emergency aid. They reported hearing a loud noise and witnessing a significant flame emanating from the affected engine, causing the aircraft to veer left before being safely halted on the runway. Subsequently, a full emergency response was activated at Delhi Airport, with four passengers sustaining injuries during the event.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the AAIB conducted a visual inspection of the aircraft, uncovering metal particles and debris in the damaged engine’s exhaust section. The Solid State Flight Data Recorder (SSFDR) and Solid State Cockpit Voice Recorder (SSCVR) have been retrieved for detailed analysis. Investigators are scrutinizing various data sources to unravel the sequence of events leading to the engine failure and are set to examine the affected engine thoroughly to pinpoint the root cause of the malfunction.
The investigation is receiving support from France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Aviation Safety (BEA), Airbus, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Initial assessments highlighted internal damage within the engine, including issues with high-pressure bleed valves and turbine blades. The high-pressure and intermediate-pressure shafts were found to be seized, hindering a comprehensive inspection. While no evidence of impact damage was noted in the Intermediate Pressure Compressor, further analysis of engine components and flight recorder data is ongoing, with potential safety recommendations expected in the future.
