LX147 - Accident: Swiss A333 at Delhi on Apr 26th 2026

A Swiss International Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration HB-JHK performing flight LX-147 from Delhi (India) to Zurich (Switzerland) with 232 passengers and 13 crew, was accelerating for takeoff from Delhi's runway 28 when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed (about 105 knots over ground) due to the left hand engine (Trent 772) emitting a loud bang and failing. The aircraft slowed safely and stopped on the runway, smoke became visible on the left hand side of the aircraft obviously due to wheels/brakes catching fire, emergency services responded and began to spray the left hand main gear. The crew initiated an emergency evacuation via slides. Six passengers received injuries, two of them serious injuries (leg fractures), as result of the evacuation.

The airline reported:

We are aware of an incident involving flight LX147 in Delhi. The aircraft involved is an Airbus A330, registration HB-JHK. SWISS has established a task force. There were 228 passengers and 4 infants on board.

Shortly after takeoff, just after 1:00 a.m. local time in India, an issue occurred with one of the engines. The crew rejected the takeoff and, following an assessment of the situation, decided as a precaution to evacuate the aircraft.

6 passengers currently receiving medical attention, crew unharmed

All passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft via the emergency slides. Six passengers are currently undergoing medical evaluation. For a small number of individuals who were unable to use the slides, stairs were provided.

Support from local teams

Passengers are currently being assisted. Local teams are working intensively to arrange rebookings or hotel accommodation for our passengers. They have received contact cards to ensure we can reach them reliably.

Such a situation is stressful for everyone involved. Our local teams are taking care of our passengers on site and are in direct contact with them. We are working closely with the local authorities.

We are determined to fully understand what led to this incident. SWISS technical specialists will travel to Delhi to inspect the aircraft and initiate the next steps. At the same time, we are working intensively to find swift and suitable onward travel solutions for all passengers. The safety of our passengers and our crew is always our top priority.

On May 8th 2026 India's AAIB reported they have rated the occurrence a serious incident and opened an investigation stating the aircraft "abandoned take off on RWY28 at time 1957 UTC on 25 April 2026, due to one engine failure (Port engine) and requested for Fire Brigade. Fire and smoke were observed by the airport authorities on the port side. Emergency evacuation of passengers was carried out."

On May 31st 2026 India's AAIB released their preliminary report summarizing the post flight report:

As per the PFR report generated after the event, the first fault generated was “ENG 1 Stall” at 1957 UTC/0127 IST during roll out phase followed by “F/CTL RUD TRIM 1 FAULT”, “AIR PACK 1+2 FAULT”, “ENG 1 FAIL” and ENG 1 REV UNLOCKLED”. The “ENG 1 SHUTDOWN” message came at 1958 UTC/0128 IST. As per the initial crew report, take-off roll began on RWY 28 intersection J6. At approximately 110 KTS engine 1 failed with a large bang and spitting a large flame forward which was visible from the cockpit.

The aircraft veered to the left and the crew decided to abort the take-off. After the aircraft came to a full stop, they informed the tower accordingly and began to apply the ECAM checklist until engine 1 was secured. Subsequently, cabin crew reported black smoke observed beneath the wing, and the fire brigade was requested. Further, it was reported that one fire bottle was discharged for ENG 1 and the maximum EGT was recorded to be 600 deg C. Also, brakes on the left side reached 600 deg C before fire tender sprayed the foam on left landing gear.

The AAIB summarized the sequence of events:

On 26 April 2026, the aircraft HB-JHK was scheduled to operate the return flight i.e. LX147 from Delhi to Zurich. There were 232 passengers along with 13 crew members on board. No abnormality was reported on the aircraft during the pre-flight inspection.

The aircraft was parked at stand A14. At 010021 IST, the aircraft requested for the start-up and pushback.

The SMC controller asked the aircraft to expect 06 minutes delay. Thereafter, at 010730 IST, the aircraft was given start-up and pushback clearance and was asked to start-up abeam bay A12. The same was readback by the aircraft. At 011515 IST, the aircraft informed the SMC that they are ready for taxi and on the request made by the crew, the aircraft was given taxi clearance via link 32 – C - M - link 30 – J6 holding point runway 28. The aircraft was then instructed to hold at holding point J6 and at 012330 IST asked the aircraft to change over to tower frequency.

At 012424 IST, the aircraft came in contact with tower and informed that they are ready for departure at holding point J6. At 012556 IST, the aircraft was given take-off clearance from runway 28 and the tower informed winds as 210O/01 Knot. The same was readback by the crew. The crew thereafter commenced the take-off roll. At 012721, the crew informed tower that they are stopping on runway and requested for fire brigade due to one engine failure. As per the ASMGCS (Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System) recording, the aircraft was observed to have attained a maximum speed of about 106 knots before the take-off was rejected. The aircraft stopped between Taxiway G2 and Taxiway G1.

A Follow Me (FM) jeep which was maintaining listening watch reached the aircraft first followed by a CFT (Crash Fire Tender). The aircraft subsequently informed tower controller that it was getting smoke fire indication and asked for visuals. The tower controller informed the aircraft that a CFT was on Runway. The aircraft then enquired with tower controller whether they can see any fire on the Engine No. 1 on Left hand side and the same was asked from CFT for confirmation. CFT reported that it was behind the aircraft and is checking for fire.

The aircraft again asked the controller to ascertain if there was any smoke or fire in the engine. The controller responded that it will confirm. The Controller again asked CFT to confirm whether there is any fire. However, the FM jeep reported that there is smoke on left side landing gear. The aircraft acknowledged and further asked to be towed to vacate the runway (RWY). Thereafter, FM jeep reported fire also on right landing gear. The tower Controller acknowledged and asked the aircraft if it had copied the information, to which the aircraft enquired whether the fire is in Landing gear. The tower Controller responded affirmatively and informed that CFT was behind the aircraft. FM jeep informed the aircraft that CFT is extinguishing the fire.

At time 0135 IST, full emergency was declared and FM jeep reported only smoke, no fire. The aircraft confirmed only smoke, FM jeep responded affirmatively and informed that water is being splashed on undercarriage, the aircraft acknowledged. Shortly thereafter, FM jeep asked the aircraft to shut down engine and informed there is fire on right side landing gear. The tower controller also instructed the aircraft to switch off engine, the aircraft acknowledged and informed that both the Engines were off.

Thereafter, FM jeep informed the tower controller that there is fire on right side landing gear and from left side only smoke was coming. The tower controller conveyed the message to the aircraft.

Thereafter, emergency evacuation of passengers was carried out on runway itself. All the 07 slides (except one) were used for evacuating the passengers. At 0150 IST, FM jeep informed that the fire is extinguished totally and the passengers are on ground. During the process of emergency evacuation four passengers were reported to have received injuries. They were immediately taken for medical treatment.

At 0324 IST, the FM jeep informed tower controller that the aircraft was ready for tow. The controller approved towing and vacation of runway. At 0339 IST, the FM jeep informed that the aircraft is fully parked at Bay. At time 0450 IST, full emergency was terminated.

Visual inspection of the left engine showed some small metallic particles in the engine exhaust, soot/burn marks were observed on the engine pylon structure just behind the exhaust section, there was no damage to the engine fan blades.

The AAIB reported the results of the borescopic inspection of the engine:

External observation before start of BSI

- Broken bolts and spacers of HP/IP bearing support found in thrust reverser ducts.
- HP Bleed valves were found partially blocked with debris.

Core Engine BSI observation

- Damages were observed in High Pressure Turbine (HPT) blades and Nozzle Guide Vanes (NGV).
- HP shaft was seized and was unable to fully inspect.
- Damages were observed in Intermediate Pressure Turbine (IPT) blades.
- IP shaft was seized and was unable to fully inspect.
- Damages were observed in Low Pressure Turbine (LPT) blades.
- Damages were observed in High Pressure Compressor (HPC) blades and Stator vanes.
- HP shaft was seized and was unable to fully inspect.
- No signs of impact damage or blade distortion were found in Intermediate Pressure Compressor (IPC).
- IPC shaft was seized and was unable to inspect fully.

The damages to the engine # 1 were confined to the core of the engine, however, due to the HP and IP spools not being able to be rotated, it was not possible to identify the cause of the engine failure with the BSI inspection. Further, there was no evidence of any uncontained failure.

Related Flight: LX147, Swiss News