Hydraulic Leak Causes In-flight System Failure on Etihad Airways A330

Casualties unknown • Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH

An Etihad Airways Airbus A330 experienced a significant loss of the green hydraulic system during a flight from Abu Dhabi to Geneva due to a high-pressure line leak.

What happened

On October 9, 2016, at approximately 12:35 UTC, an Airbus A330-343, registered as A6-AFE, was operating a scheduled commercial flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Geneva Airport. While in flight, the aircraft experienced a major failure within its green hydraulic system. The incident occurred during an instrument flight rules (IFR) operation involving 125 passengers and 11 crew members.

The investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) opened an inquiry into the event on October 14, 2016. Investigators focused on the mechanical failure that led to the loss of hydraulic pressure. Through technical collaboration with the aircraft manufacturer, the investigation determined that the failure originated from a significant leak in the pressurized lines associated with the number 2 engine. The investigation concluded that the event was an isolated mechanical occurrence rather than a result of systemic or organizational flaws.

Probable cause

A significant leak in the pressurized hydraulic lines of the number 2 engine caused the failure of the aircraft's green hydraulic system.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-10-09 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A330-343 accident near Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH?

An Etihad Airways Airbus A330 experienced a significant loss of the green hydraulic system during a flight from Abu Dhabi to Geneva due to a high-pressure line leak.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-10-09 involved a AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A330-343, registration A6-AFE, at Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A significant leak in the pressurized hydraulic lines of the number 2 engine caused the failure of the aircraft's green hydraulic system.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/A6-AFE_EdU_F.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.

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