Fuel Emergency During Flight to Zurich

Casualties unknown • Zürich Flughafen (LSZH), ZH, CH

An Airbus A320 operating from Nice to Geneva declared an emergency after running dangerously low on fuel, resulting in an unplanned landing at Zurich.

What happened

On November 14, 2023, at approximately 19:00 local time, an Airbus A320-214, registration HB-JZR, was operating a commercial flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The aircraft, operated by EasyJet Switzerland SA, was traveling from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (LFMN) toward Geneva Airport (LSGG). During the flight, the crew declared a fuel emergency due to insufficient remaining fuel. Consequently, the aircraft diverted to Zurich Airport (LSZH), where it landed safely. Following the landing, it was determined that the amount of fuel remaining on board had fallen below the absolute minimum required final reserve fuel.

The investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an investigation into the incident to determine why the aircraft's fuel levels reached such critical levels. The inquiry focused on the fuel management during the flight from Nice and the circumstances that led to the declaration of an emergency and the subsequent breach of minimum fuel reserves.

Probable cause

The aircraft landed with fuel levels below the absolute final reserve minimum following a declared fuel emergency.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-11-14 AIRBUS S.A.S. A320-214 accident near Zürich Flughafen (LSZH), ZH, CH?

An Airbus A320 operating from Nice to Geneva declared an emergency after running dangerously low on fuel, resulting in an unplanned landing at Zurich.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-11-14 involved a AIRBUS S.A.S. A320-214, registration HB-JZR, at Zürich Flughafen (LSZH), ZH, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft landed with fuel levels below the absolute final reserve minimum following a declared fuel emergency.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/HB-JZR_VB_D.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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