History of the Flight
On 27 October 2022, a Bombardier BD-700-2A12 aircraft, registered as N899ST and managed by Forindo Pte Limited of Singapore, departed from Nanjing International Airport for a private flight to Hong Kong International Airport. The aircraft had three flight crew members and two passengers on board.
The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) served as the Pilot Flying (PF) from the left-hand seat, while another captain acted as the Pilot Monitoring (PM). The PF was using the Head Up Display (HUD).
The flight conducted an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 07R at approximately 2122 hours local time. The pitch angle during the approach was normal.
After mainwheel touchdown and before the nosewheel touched down, maximum reverse thrust was selected. The aircraft then attained a high nose attitude, causing the lower thrust reverser doors of both engines to contact the runway surface. As the aircraft pitched up, the PM called out "Nose High," prompting the PF to push forward on the sidestick. The aircraft simultaneously drifted right of the centreline, which the PF corrected. The remainder of the landing rollout was normal, and no abnormal noise was noticed by the flight crew or passengers.
Damage was discovered when the PIC conducted a post-flight walkaround check at the apron of the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre (HKBAC). There was no other damage to the aircraft and no injury to any person.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that after mainwheel touchdown, the aircraft's de-rotation was delayed by the pilot's continued aft sidestick input. This resulted in the aircraft entering a low speed, high angle of attack (AoA) condition. When combined with the selection of maximum reverse thrust, an upward pitching moment was induced, causing the aircraft to pitch up. Consequently, both lower thrust reverser doors made contact with the runway.
Aircraft Information
The Bombardier BD-700-2A12 is a business jet. Specific details about engine type or maintenance history were not disclosed in the report beyond the incident-related damage.
Personnel Information
No further details about the flight crew's qualifications or experience were provided in the source.
Meteorological and Aerodrome Information
The incident occurred at Hong Kong International Airport during an ILS approach to Runway 07R. Specific weather conditions were not mentioned.
Safety Recommendations
The investigation team issued three safety recommendations. The details of these recommendations are not elaborated in this article.
Conclusion
The cause of the incident was the pilot's delayed de-rotation after touchdown, which led to a high nose attitude and contact between the lower thrust reverser doors and the runway when maximum reverse thrust was applied.