What happened
On November 11, 2025, at approximately 01:37 UTC, an Airbus A340-313, registration HB-JMF, was operating an international commercial flight from Zurich Airport to Muscat International Airport. While cruising approximately 20 nautical miles northwest of Sakaka, Saudi Arabia, the flight crew detected irregularities within the number one engine. These irregularities quickly escalated into an engine fire.
In response to the emergency, the cockpit crew executed the required emergency procedures. The crew successfully shut down the affected engine, which subsequently led to the extinguishment of the fire and the cessation of the fire warning signal. The aircraft continued its flight to the destination using the remaining three operational engines.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an inquiry into the incident. The investigation focused on the mechanical irregularities that preceded the fire and the subsequent damage sustained by the aircraft. The aircraft suffered heavy damage specifically to the number one engine, though no injuries were reported among the 11 crew members or the 166 passengers on board.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was an engine fire occurring in the number one engine during the cruise phase of flight.
- The aircraft sustained significant structural or mechanical damage to the first engine.
- The crew successfully managed the emergency by following established protocols to shut down the engine and mitigate the fire risk.