Engine oil odor leads to aborted takeoff at Geneva Airport

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

An Avro 146-RJ100 operated by Swiss Global Air Lines aborted its takeoff at Geneva Airport after the crew detected a strong smell of oil in the cockpit.

What happened

On October 10, 2016, at approximately 16:20 UTC, an AVRO 146-RJ100, registered as HB-IXP, was preparing for a scheduled commercial flight from Geneva Airport (LSGG) to London City Airport (EGLC). During the takeoff roll on runway 05, the flight crew identified a heavy odor of oil permeating the cockpit area.

In response to this development, the crew elected to interrupt the takeoff procedure. The aircraft decelerated and came to a halt on the runway.

The investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an inquiry into the incident. The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the detection of the odor and the mechanical state of the aircraft during the takeoff roll. There were no injuries to the crew or the 73 passengers on board, and no damage was reported to the aircraft or ground infrastructure.

Probable cause

The takeoff was aborted due to the detection of a strong oil odor in the cockpit, indicating a potential leak or malfunction related to the engine oil system.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-10-10 BRITISH AEROSPACE (REGIONAL AIRCRAFT) LTD AVRO 146-RJ100 accident near Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH?

An Avro 146-RJ100 operated by Swiss Global Air Lines aborted its takeoff at Geneva Airport after the crew detected a strong smell of oil in the cockpit.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-10-10 involved a BRITISH AEROSPACE (REGIONAL AIRCRAFT) LTD AVRO 146-RJ100, registration HB-IXP, at Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The takeoff was aborted due to the detection of a strong oil odor in the cockpit, indicating a potential leak or malfunction related to the engine oil system.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/HB-IXP_2016.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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