Engine malfunction during descent at Geneva Airport

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

A United Airlines Boeing 767 experienced a right-side engine failure while descending into Geneva, forcing an approach at idle power.

What happened

On May 30, 2018, at approximately 05:50 UTC, a Boeing 767-322, registration N671UA, operated by United Airlines, was performing a scheduled international flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Geneva Airport. During the descent phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a failure in the right-hand engine. This mechanical malfunction resulted in noticeable vibrations throughout the airframe.

As a result of the engine issue, the flight crew conducted the approach to Geneva Airport with the right engine operating at idle power. Despite the technical malfunction, there were no injuries to the 110 passengers or the 3 crew members on board, and no damage was reported to the aircraft or ground infrastructure.

The investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) opened an investigation into the incident to determine the nature of the engine failure and the resulting vibrations. The preliminary information focuses on the operational sequence during the descent and the status of the engines during the final approach to LSGG.

Probable cause

A failure in the right-hand engine during the descent phase, which caused vibrations and necessitated an approach at idle power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-05-30 BOEING B-767-322 accident near Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH?

A United Airlines Boeing 767 experienced a right-side engine failure while descending into Geneva, forcing an approach at idle power.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-05-30 involved a BOEING B-767-322, registration N671UA, at Genève Aéroport (LSGG), GE, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A failure in the right-hand engine during the descent phase, which caused vibrations and necessitated an approach at idle power.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/N671UA.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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