What happened
On 7 April 2022, a Bombardier Global 6000, registration LX-NST, was performing a positioning flight from Biggin Hill to London Luton Airport. The flight was operated by two crew members, including a commander and a co-pilot who was on his first flight on this aircraft type.
While approaching Runway 25, the aircraft encountered gusty crosswind conditions. At approximately 100 ft radio altitude, the commander noted the aircraft was being affected by turbulence and began to drift from the centerline. Deciding the approach was no longer stable, the commander took control from the co-flyer and initiated a go-around by applying full power. During this transition, the aircraft's pitch and roll increased, causing the right main gear to momentarily touch the runway. This resulted in the right wingtip making contact with the ground for approximately 18 metres.
The contact caused damage to the right wingtip, flap fairing, leading edge slat, and aileron. The aircraft subsequently climbed away and completed a second approach and landing without further difficulty.
The investigation
The AAIB examined flight data, CCTV footage, and airport anemometer records. The investigation established that the autothrottle system had retarded the throttles to idle as part of the landing configuration. While the aircraft was in a low-energy state, the commander applied maximum thrust to abort the landing.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's flight history and the manufacturer's known risks regarding wingtip strikes. The investigation noted that the commander had not received specific training for taking control and executing a go-around at such a low altitude, having only practiced such maneuvers above 100 ft.
Findings
- The right wingtip contact was caused by a combination of pitch and roll attitudes during the aborted landing.
- The aircraft was in a low-energy state when the go-around was initiated, as the engines required several seconds to accelerate to maximum thrust.
- The aircraft's speed had dropped significantly below the selected approach speed due to the autothrottle retarding the thrust levers.
- Local turbulence or wind changes, potentially caused by nearby airport buildings, may have contributed to the aircraft's instability.
- The commander was managing a trainee pilot and took control in a highly dynamic situation with very little time to react.
Safety action
Following the incident, the operator implemented simulator training involving crosswind landings and low-energy go-around scenarios. The event was also shared with all flight crews within the organization.