Summary
On April 5, 2025, EgyptAir flight MSR 285, a Boeing 737-800 registered as SU-GEK, experienced an incident during a go-around at Cairo International Airport. The flight, which originated from Aswan, was crewed by two pilots: the captain served as pilot monitoring and the first officer as pilot flying. No injuries or damage to the aircraft were reported.
History of the Flight
The aircraft departed Aswan bound for Cairo. After descending and commencing the approach for Runway 05R, Cairo Tower cleared the flight to continue. At 18:06 UTC, during the final approach below 1000 feet pressure altitude, air traffic control instructed the crew to execute a go-around. The preceding aircraft had not vacated the runway via Exit 3 as announced on the ATIS, and did not inform the tower of its intention to use Exit 4. Its slow taxi speed prolonged runway occupancy.
The first officer did not respond to the go-around clearance. The captain then pressed the takeoff/go-around (TOGA) switch and advanced the throttles without clearly announcing "I have controls." He also retracted the flaps to 15 degrees and raised the landing gear. The aircraft began pitching up sharply without any control input from the first officer, triggering the stick shaker. The captain responded by pushing the control column full forward with full force, and significant forward trim was required to recover. The aircraft subsequently overshot the assigned go-around altitude. The captain requested permission to climb to 3500 feet due to the altitude deviation, but ATC directed the flight to 4500 feet for another approach. The aircraft then landed without further incident.
Investigation
The Egyptian Aircraft Accident Investigation Directorate (EAAID) has been investigating the incident. A preliminary report was issued in May 2025. All relevant data have been studied and analysis completed, with findings identified. The investigation is progressing toward the formalization of safety recommendations and the drafting of a final report for consultation with participating states.