Go-around leads to unusual attitudes at St. Gallen-Altenrhein

Casualties unknown • 2 km südlich St. Gallen-Altenrhein Flughafen (LSZR), SG, CH

A Pilatus PC-12/47E experienced multiple unusual flight attitudes during a missed approach at St. Gallen-Altenrhein airport.

What happened

On December 6, 2020, at approximately 15:00 local time, a Pilatus PC-12/47E, registration HB-FXN, was performing a private flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The aircraft departed from Grenchen airport and was proceeding toward its destination at St. Gallen-Altenrhein airport. During the instrument approach to runway 10, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft failed to follow the published approach procedure and entered several unusual flight attitudes.

The investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) opened an inquiry into the incident. The investigation focused on the flight path deviation and the aerodynamic behavior of the aircraft during the missed approach. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, and the aircraft sustained no damage during the event.

Probable cause

The aircraft deviated from the published approach procedure and experienced repeated unusual attitudes during a go-around maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-12-05 PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. PC-12/47E accident near 2 km südlich St. Gallen-Altenrhein Flughafen (LSZR), SG, CH?

A Pilatus PC-12/47E experienced multiple unusual flight attitudes during a missed approach at St. Gallen-Altenrhein airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-12-05 involved a PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. PC-12/47E, registration HB-FXN, at 2 km südlich St. Gallen-Altenrhein Flughafen (LSZR), SG, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft deviated from the published approach procedure and experienced repeated unusual attitudes during a go-around maneuver.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/HB-FXN.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.

Loading the flight search…