Casualties unknown

Accident of EasyJet Flight EZS 903 near Oyonnax, France on 15 August 2003 (HB-III)

Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH

On August 15, 2003, a THE BOEING COMPANY 737-33V (registration HB-III) was involved in an aviation accident near Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH. This summary draws on records from the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST).

Sourcesthe Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered HB-III
Aircraft registered HB-III. Photo: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 15 August 2003, EasyJet flight EZS 903, a Boeing 737-33V (HB-III), experienced an accident near Oyonnax, France, approximately 35 km west of Geneva. The aircraft encountered thunderstorms and hail, resulting in damage.

Factual Information

The accident occurred on 15 August 2003 to the Boeing 737-33V aircraft, registration HB-III, operated by EasyJet Switzerland as flight EZS 903. The location was in the region of Oyonnax, France, about 35 km west of Geneva airport. The final report was prepared by the Federal Aircraft Accident Board based on an investigation report by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau dated 21 June 2007.

Flight History

The report includes a history of the flight, covering flight preparation and crew details. Prior to the accident, two other aircraft had departed from Geneva: flight EZS 995 and flight VP-BKK. The flight history section also describes the departure from Geneva.

Meteorological Conditions

At the time of the accident, the general meteorological situation and weather conditions in the Oyonnax region were documented. Hazardous weather phenomena included thunderstorms and hail. Damage due to hail in the Oyonnax region was recorded. The size of the hailstones at the altitude of the aircraft at the time of the accident was also noted.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft was a Boeing 737-33V with registration HB-III. The report provides details on its engines, avionics, mass and centre of gravity, and a description of the weather radar.

Personnel Information

Information on the commander, copilot, cabin crew, and air traffic controllers (designated A through E) is included in the report.

Recordings and Communications

The report references the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), as well as recordings of conversations and communication systems.

Investigation

The investigation was conducted by the Swiss Federal Aircraft Accident Board. The report's purpose is to prevent future accidents, not to determine blame or liability.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Aug 2003 THE BOEING COMPANY 737-33V accident near Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH?

On 15 August 2003, EasyJet flight EZS 903, a Boeing 737-33V (HB-III), experienced an accident near Oyonnax, France, approximately 35 km west of Geneva. The aircraft encountered thunderstorms and hail, resulting in damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Aug 2003 involved a THE BOEING COMPANY 737-33V, registration HB-III, at Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/1950_e.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.