Narrative:
A Fokker 100 sustained substantial damage when the APU suffered an uncontained failure while on the ground at Nürnberg Airport (NUE), Germany.
Swiss International Air Lines flight LX1189 was preparing for departure to Zurich, Switzerland and the doors of the aircraft were closed. The aircraft was being de-iced when the de-icing employee heard the APU revving up. This was followed by a loud bang. After a second loud bang the APU stopped. Debris from the APU engine penetrated the pressure bulkhead and smoke appeared in the passenger cabin. The passengers were directed to the front of the cabin and all occupants left the plane through the forward exit.
The APU air intake is located on the right of the fuselage, on the transition from the fin to the fuselage. De-icing fluid can easily enter through the open air intake when the APU is in operation. Furthermore, the de-icing agent causes a strong fog when applied, due to the difference in temperature. This restricts the visibility of the air intake. In addition, the area around the air inlet of the APU is not marked, making it harder to notice the location of the intake.
The BFU notes that a safety recommendation of the NTSB following a similar accident, requested the APU to be switched off when the aircraft is de-iced. This measure had not been implemented in Europe.
Conclusions:
The failure of the APU and the resulting consequential damage was due to the intake and combustion of de-icing fluid. Visual restrictions and inadequate marking have contributed to the accident.
Damaged on the ground
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Tuesday 20 January 2015 |
| Time: | 10:55 |
| Type: |  Fokker 100 |
| Operated by: | Helvetic Airways |
| On behalf of: | Swiss International Air Lines |
| Registration: | HB-JVE |
| MSN: | 11459 |
| First flight: | 1993-06-01 (21 years 8 months) |
| Total airframe hrs: | 51879 |
| Cycles: | 37191 |
| Engines: | 2 Rolls-Royce Tay 650-15 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Aircraft fate: | Repaired |
| Location: | Nürnberg Airport (NUE) ( Germany)
|
| Phase: | Standing (STD) |
| Nature: | International Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Nürnberg Airport (NUE/EDDN), Germany |
| Zürich-Kloten Airport (ZRH/LSZH), Switzerland | |
| Flightnumber: | LX1189 |
A Fokker 100 sustained substantial damage when the APU suffered an uncontained failure while on the ground at Nürnberg Airport (NUE), Germany.
Swiss International Air Lines flight LX1189 was preparing for departure to Zurich, Switzerland and the doors of the aircraft were closed. The aircraft was being de-iced when the de-icing employee heard the APU revving up. This was followed by a loud bang. After a second loud bang the APU stopped. Debris from the APU engine penetrated the pressure bulkhead and smoke appeared in the passenger cabin. The passengers were directed to the front of the cabin and all occupants left the plane through the forward exit.
The APU air intake is located on the right of the fuselage, on the transition from the fin to the fuselage. De-icing fluid can easily enter through the open air intake when the APU is in operation. Furthermore, the de-icing agent causes a strong fog when applied, due to the difference in temperature. This restricts the visibility of the air intake. In addition, the area around the air inlet of the APU is not marked, making it harder to notice the location of the intake.
The BFU notes that a safety recommendation of the NTSB following a similar accident, requested the APU to be switched off when the aircraft is de-iced. This measure had not been implemented in Europe.
Probable Cause:
Conclusions:
The failure of the APU and the resulting consequential damage was due to the intake and combustion of de-icing fluid. Visual restrictions and inadequate marking have contributed to the accident.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
APU engine problemDamaged on the ground
Sources:
» BFU AX001-15Follow-up / safety actions
BFU issued 3 Safety Recommendations
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Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Nürnberg Airport to Zürich-Kloten Airport as the crow flies is 291 km (182 miles).
Distance from Nürnberg Airport to Zürich-Kloten Airport as the crow flies is 291 km (182 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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