Investigation Summary
While cruising at flight level 360, the aircraft's right-hand Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engine suffered a failure, followed by the presence of smoke and fumes throughout the cabin and cockpit. The flight crew declared an emergency and initiated a rapid descent into Graz. Upon landing, the aircraft stopped on the runway and the captain ordered an immediate evacuation via slides. During the evacuation and subsequent medical response, 17 individuals required medical attention. Tragically, a 24-year-old flight attendant succumbed to her injuries on December 30, 2024, marking the first fatality associated with an Airbus A220 operation.
Final Conclusions
The investigation is currently being led by the Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Authority (SUB). Preliminary focus is on the mechanical failure of the PW1500G engine and the source of the smoke ingress into the air conditioning system. The specific cause of the flight attendant's death—whether related to smoke inhalation or trauma during the evacuation—remains part of the ongoing inquiry.
Video Analysis
Swiss A220 Emergency Landing in Graz — Footage and analysis of Swiss Flight LX1885 following an engine failure and cabin smoke event that led to a fatal outcome.
Watch on YouTube ↗If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Systems & Failure Modes
Pratt & Whitney PW1500G
The Geared Turbofan engine which suffered a failure, leading to smoke entering the bleed air system.
Environmental Control System (ECS)
The system responsible for cabin pressurization and air quality, which distributed smoke throughout the aircraft.
Emergency Evacuation Slides
Deployed on the runway to facilitate the rapid egress of 136 passengers and 5 crew.
Interesting Facts
- 01This is the first fatal accident involving the Airbus A220 (formerly Bombardier CSeries) aircraft type.
- 02The aircraft involved, HB-JCN, was delivered to Swiss in 2018.
- 0317 passengers and 5 crew members were initially hospitalized.
- 04The engine involved was a Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan.
- 05The aircraft remained grounded in Graz for forensic and technical inspection.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Engine Inspection Directive
Swiss International Air Lines initiated immediate inspections of its A220 fleet's engine bleed air components.
SUB Preliminary Report
Austrian authorities have secured the flight data recorders and the failed engine for teardown analysis.