Open questions after Swiss emergency landing

On 23 December 2024, a Swiss flight from Bucharest to Zurich had to make an emergency landing in Graz after problems with an engine and smoke entering the cockpit and cabin. While the passengers were being evacuated, a drama unfolded on board: a 23-year-old flight attendant lost consciousness and died a week later in hospital.

The investigation into what happened is still ongoing. Now, a new interim report has been obtained by the Swiss tabloid «Blick», which focuses on the crew and the technical condition of the aircraft. However, the exact events in the cabin remain unclear.

It is striking that two emergency doors remained closed during the evacuation. Flight attendants are trained to use all exits in an emergency, yet in this case, the front and rear right doors were not opened. Whether they were stuck or the crew was unable to open them is still under investigation. One passenger reported that a flight attendant needed assistance from another passenger to open the rear door.

The faulty engine, installed on July 8, 2024, and currently under examination in the USA, is also a key focus. The maintenance protocols show no irregularities, but the cause of the technical problems remains unclear.

No reproach to crew members

The report provides new insights into the crew. Along with the late 23-year-old flight attendant, the crew included a 41-year-old captain, a 35-year-old co-pilot, and two flight attendants aged 55 and 57. Several injuries were also reported, including a seriously injured flight attendant and three passengers with minor injuries.

It remains unclear why the cabin crew could not be reached by the cockpit during the incident – an attempt to contact them via the internal telephone failed. Swiss emphasises that the crew members are not being blamed and that they will continue to be accompanied and supported.

Investigations are ongoing, but key questions remain: Why did the young flight attendant lose consciousness? Could all emergency exits have been used? What role did the engine's technical issue play? Future reports will reveal whether these questions are answered.