SWISS Airlines tragically announced the passing of a cabin crew member who succumbed to injuries sustained during an emergency landing in Graz, Austria, on December 23rd.
Flight LX1885, traveling from Bucharest to Zurich, was forced to divert to Graz after experiencing engine problems. The technical problem resulted in smoke filling both the cockpit and cabin.
Jens Fehlinger, CEO of SWISS, and Oliver Buchhofer, COO, offered comments on the sad news. They expressed their deepest condolences to the family on behalf of the entire airline.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of our valued colleague,” stated CEO Fehlinger. “Our thoughts are with their family during this incredibly difficult time. We will provide all possible support to them.”
COO Buchhofer added, “This is a devastating day for our SWISS family. We are committed to working closely with authorities to determine the cause of this incident. We extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders in Graz for their swift and professional assistance to our passengers and crew.”
Emergency Landing in Graz
Flight LX1885, an Airbus A220-300 with 74 passengers and five crew members, was compelled to make an emergency landing at Graz Airport due to engine issues and smoke. The pilot made the critical decision to divert to ensure the safety of all onboard.
The aircraft made a safe emergency landing at Graz Airport, where emergency services were immediately on standby.
One crew member was seriously injured and was subsequently airlifted to the hospital for critical care. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the crew member succumbed to their injuries.
Ongoing Investigations
SWISS is actively collaborating with investigative authorities to thoroughly understand the cause of the smoke and its impact on passengers and crew. The investigation focuses on both the aircraft’s mechanical components and the effectiveness of the cabin crew’s protective breathing equipment (PBE).
Preliminary findings suggest a technical issue with one of the engines. However, the investigation is complex and requires close coordination with authorities, engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, and aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
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