Incident
A cargo flight from Frankfurt to Stuttgart-Echterdingen Airport was on final approach. Weather conditions were marginal, with low clouds at 200 meters and visibility limited to half a mile. The copilot, unable to locate the runway, decided to execute a go-around. During this maneuver, the right main gear and engine number three struck an earth mound located 20 meters short of the runway threshold. The impact sheared off engine number three and the right main gear from the aircraft.
Flight Diversion
The captain regained control, continued the climb, and informed ground control that he was diverting to Nuremberg Airport. After a belly landing at Nuremberg, the airplane slid for several yards and came to rest. All three crew members were uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Aftermath
Authorities were informed of the situation, and the runway at Stuttgart-Echterdingen was covered with foam as a safety precaution.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the copilot-in-command continued the approach below the glide path and executed an improper approach according to procedures, causing the aircraft to be too low on final. A lack of supervision by the captain was considered a contributing factor.