What happened
On February 10, 2009, an Airbus A321 operating a training flight from Frankfurt to Zurich declared a fuel emergency while near Stuttgart. The flight, which included 64 passengers and seven crew members, had originally been en route to Zurich. However, the crew attempted two approaches to runway 2ical 28 in Zurich, both of which were aborted due to intense crosswinds.
Following the second missed approach, the crew decided to divert to Stuttgart, where weather conditions were more favorable. Approximately ten nautical miles south of the TGO VOR, the crew declared a fuel emergency at 14:05. Air traffic control issued a high-level alert at 14:10. The aircraft landed safely on runway 25 at Stuttgart airport at 14:17. Upon arrival, the remaining fuel on board was 980 kg, which was below the required final reserve fuel of 1,184 kg.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the flight data, cockpit voice recorder, and meteorological conditions. The crew consisted of a Type Rating Instructor (TRI), a captain trainee, and a co-pilot, all of whom held valid licenses. The investigation also reviewed the fuel planning, which had accounted for 5,500 kg of fuel, including 1,541 kg of extra fuel, for the original Frankfurt to Zurich route. At the time of the first approach in Zurich, approximately 3,200 kg of fuel remained on board.
Findings
- Severe weather conditions at Zurich, characterized by winds from 210 degrees at 26 knots with gusts up to 57 knots, necessitated the aborted approaches.
- The decision to divert to Stuttgart was driven by the need to avoid further approach attempts in unstable wind conditions.
- The aircraft landed with insufficient fuel reserves, specifically falling below the mandatory final reserve level.