Incident
On 28 January 2017 at 15:57 UTC, an Air China Airbus A330-243, registration B-6533, experienced a loss of the green hydraulic system during descent to Geneva Airport. The incident occurred on a scheduled passenger flight from Beijing Capital International Airport (ZBAA) to Geneva Airport (LSGG).
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was operated by Air China Limited, based in Beijing, People's Republic of China, and owned by Air Lease Corporation ALC A332 1237 LLC, Camden Wyoming, Delaware, USA. The flight crew consisted of two pilots: a commander (born 1977) and a first officer (born 1989), both citizens of the People's Republic of China. The cabin crew comprised 11 members. There were 211 passengers on board. No injuries were reported among crew, passengers, or third parties. The aircraft sustained damage to the green hydraulic system, but no ground damage occurred. The flight was conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Investigation Outcome
The Swiss Safety Investigation Service (SESE) opened an investigation on 31 January 2017. During the investigation, it was determined that the serious incident was not due to operational, organizational, or systemic causes. The manufacturer had meanwhile reduced the safety deficit. As a result, the SESE concluded that the contribution of the investigation to prevention would be very limited, and terminated the inquiry on 31 August 2022. The brief description stated that the loss of the green hydraulic system was due to a large leak in the pressurized lines of engine no. 2.