Background
An AVRO 146-RJ100 aircraft, registered HB-IYT, was scheduled for flight LX 758 from Zurich (LSZH) to Luxembourg (ELLX) on 21 July 2016. The flight crew had weather information forecasting light showers from thunderstorm clouds at the time of landing. They carried extra fuel for 20 minutes beyond the minimum and designated Brussels as an alternate airport.
Flight History
The aircraft took off from Zurich at 15:33 UTC with 66 passengers and 4 crew members. During the flight, the crew received ATIS reports indicating increasing thunderstorm activity. At 16:07 UTC, they received clearance for an instrument approach to runway 24, but due to a heavy shower overhead the field, the pilot decided to abort the approach and enter a holding pattern. After communication with air traffic control, they were offered an approach to runway 06, which they accepted. The pilot took over as pilot flying and carried out the final approach without autopilot due to variable winds and turbulence.
Weather Conditions
Multiple ATIS updates showed rapid changes: from good visibility to heavy thunderstorms with rain, hail, and strong gusts. Around the time of landing, a thunderstorm cell remained nearly stationary over the area, with precipitation intensity 25–35 mm/h and minimal lightning activity. The Wet Microburst Severity Index reached a value based on model data.
Landing
During short final, visibility deteriorated due to heavy precipitation. At 200 ft above the runway, visual references were sufficient, but at approximately 50 ft, visibility was lost. The aircraft made a hard landing at 16:30 UTC. The flight data showed a vertical acceleration of 2.66 g and touchdown 678 m after the runway threshold. The flare was initiated slightly too early with a sink rate of 300 ft/min and a headwind that turned to a tailwind component of 3 kt shortly before touchdown. No passengers or crew were hurt, and the aircraft remained undamaged as per the hard landing check.