BOSTON- A SWISS International (LX) Airbus A330-300 aborted its takeoff at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) after suffering a smoky engine failure.
The aircraft, operating Flight LX55 to Zurich Airport (ZRH), was forced to stop its departure roll on runway 22R after flames and thick smoke erupted from the right engine.
The incident occurred on September 16 and was captured on video by planespotters. While the visuals appeared dramatic, all passengers and crew were safe, and the aircraft returned to the gate shortly after the aborted takeoff.
Photo: Swiss Airbus A330-300; HB-JHJ@ZRH;12.01.2020 | Arriving as L… | FlickrSwiss A330 Aborts Takeoff
The affected aircraft, registration HB-JHM, is a 12 year old Airbus A330-300 powered by 2 Rolls Royce Trent 772 engines.
Flight LX55 was scheduled to depart Boston Logan for Zurich when flames burst from the right hand engine as the aircraft accelerated along runway 22R. The sparks were quickly followed by a plume of dark smoke.
At first, the cockpit crew informed air traffic control that no assistance was required, believing the situation was manageable.
However, after controllers alerted them to visible smoke, the pilots shut down both engines and requested fire crews to attend. Emergency responders arrived on the runway within minutes, while passengers remained onboard.
According to PYOK, the crew followed standard safety procedures, ensuring there was no panic in the cabin.
Photo: HB-JBE AIRBUS CANADA A220-100 BCS1 c/n 50014 → SWISS / SWR… | FlickrFAA Response and Safety Measures
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the event occurred at approximately 6:25 PM local time.
In an official statement, the FAA said the crew stopped their takeoff due to engine issues, and that some incoming arrivals at Boston Logan were briefly paused while the incident was handled.
Within 15 minutes, the Airbus A330 taxied back to its gate under its own power, escorted by emergency vehicles.
Passengers were safely deplaned and rebooked onto alternative flights to Zurich. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Photo: By James Rowson – http://www.airliners.net/photo/Swiss-International-Air/Airbus-A340-313/2453963/L/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37637828Ongoing Investigation
The aircraft remains grounded at Boston Logan International Airport while undergoing inspection. Engineers are working alongside SWISS technical teams and Rolls Royce to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
Early indications suggest an isolated engine issue, but both SWISS and the FAA have confirmed that a full investigation is underway.
Despite being 12 years old, the Airbus A330 300 type has a strong safety record, and incidents of this nature remain rare.
Aviation experts note that the crew’s swift decision to abort takeoff highlights the importance of emergency training and adherence to safety protocols.
Photo: By Kambui – Swiss International Air Lines Boeing 777-3DE/ER HB-JNB, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58283558Passenger Impact and Airline Statement
SWISS International Air Lines confirmed that all affected passengers were rebooked onto later services to Zurich.
In its statement, the airline reassured customers that safety is its top priority and that it is cooperating fully with investigators. The carrier also emphasized that the aircraft will remain out of service until the issue is resolved.
While dramatic, the incident underscores the effectiveness of established aviation safety procedures.
The rapid response by pilots, air traffic control, and fire services ensured that a potentially serious emergency ended without injury.
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