Aircraft excursion during ILS approach at Zurich Airport

No fatalities • Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland • Landing (descent or approach)

A private flight arriving from Barcelona experienced an excursion on the grass near the runway threshold at Zurich, resulting in significant damage but no injuries.

What happened

On the date of the incident, a private flight departed from Barcelona (LEBL) at 1000 local time, destined for Zurich (LSZH). The flight was being conducted under instrument flight rules. While following radar vectors, the crew of EC-HFA, an aircraft type not specified but operating under ILS protocols, was cleared at 1205 local time to begin its approach for runway 14.

During the final approach phase, the aircraft encountered a snow shower. The aircraft made contact with the ground on a grassy area approximately 700 meters ahead of the runway threshold. Following the touchdown, the aircraft performed a wide right-hand skid, moving toward the direction of the runway 16 threshold. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe.

Findings

  • The aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions in the form of a snow shower during the final approach.
  • There were zero fatalities and zero injuries among the three people on board.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered a snow shower during the final approach, leading to a touchdown on the grass prior to the runway threshold.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-04-07 Cessna 500 Citation accident near Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland?

A private flight arriving from Barcelona experienced an excursion on the grass near the runway threshold at Zurich, resulting in significant damage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 2003-04-07 Cessna 500 Citation accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-04-07 involved a Cessna 500 Citation, registration EC-HFA, operated by Ibiza Flights, at Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered a snow shower during the final approach, leading to a touchdown on the grass prior to the runway threshold.

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