Overview
On 2 May 2010, an Airbus A319, registration D-AKNH, operated by Lufthansa, experienced a serious incident while executing flight LH1835 from Budapest to Milan Malpensa. The aircraft, carrying 93 passengers and 6 crew members, diverted to Milan Linate after encountering windshear and declaring a fuel emergency. The aircraft landed without damage.
Flight Details
The flight departed Budapest at 17:45 UTC with 5,800 kg of fuel. The planned flight duration was 1 hour and 55 minutes. The crew consisted of a 42-year-old male commander with 7,089 total flight hours and a 31-year-old male first officer with 2,307 total flight hours.
Windshear and Diversion
During approach to runway 35R at Milan Malpensa, at about 3,000 feet, the aircraft encountered strong windshear, initially a 20-knot tailwind component followed by a 20-knot headwind component at 2,000 feet. This destabilized the descent path, and the commander executed a go-around. Other aircraft also reported windshear. At 19:15 UTC, due to persisting adverse weather, the crew decided to divert to Milan Linate.
Fuel Emergency
After the go-around, the aircraft held at Rigon point with 1,900 kg of fuel. During the diversion, the crew reported low fuel: at 19:25 UTC they had 40 minutes of flight time remaining, at 19:27 they warned of an imminent emergency, and at 19:30 they stated serious fuel problems. Despite repeated requests, ATC coordination for diversion clearance was delayed. At 19:32 UTC, clearance was received. At 19:34 UTC, 13 NM from Linate, the crew declared a Mayday due to low fuel, reporting 30 minutes of flight time remaining. They subsequently estimated 28 minutes remaining.
Landing
The aircraft was vectored for an ILS approach to runway 36 at Linate. The crew stabilized the approach and landed at 19:42 UTC. The commander reported arriving at the parking stand with 1,100 kg of fuel.