Casualties unknown

Tail Strike Accident Involving Bombardier DHC-8-402 HB-JGA at Bern-Belp Airport

Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH

On June 22, 2008, a BOMBARDIER INC. DHC-8-402 (registration HB-JGA) was involved in an aviation accident near Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was due to initial contact with the runway by the tail of the aircraft following the crew's reaction to establish an excessively nose-up attitude instead of increasing power in the presence of a high rate of descent. This summary draws on records from the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST).

Sourcesthe Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered HB-JGA
Aircraft registered HB-JGA. Photo: Carbonfreak / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 22 June 2008, a Bombardier DHC-8-402 (HB-JGA) operated by Sky Work AG as flight SRK 172 experienced a tail strike upon landing at Bern-Belp Airport. The investigation determined the cause was the crew's reaction to establish an excessively nose-up attitude instead of increasing power during a high descent rate.

Accident Overview

On 22 June 2008, a Bombardier DHC-8-402 aircraft, registration HB-JGA, operated by Sky Work AG as flight SRK 172, was involved in an accident during landing at Bern-Belp Airport. The aircraft sustained damage as a result of the initial contact with the runway by its tail.

Crew Information

The cockpit crew consisted of a training captain, a commander under supervision, and a copilot under supervision. The report notes that crew fatigue may have played a role in the accident. No other details about the crew's experience or duty times are provided in the available excerpts.

Findings

The investigation was conducted by the Swiss Bureau d’enquête sur les accidents d’aviation (BEAA). Technical aspects were examined, but no specific mechanical failures were identified. The focus was on human and operational factors, including the crew's response during the landing flare.

Cause

The probable cause of the accident, as stated by the investigation, was that the initial touchdown occurred with the tail of the aircraft, following the crew's reaction to establish an excessively nose-up attitude instead of increasing engine power when faced with a high rate of descent. Crew fatigue was cited as a possible contributing element.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jun 2008 BOMBARDIER INC. DHC-8-402 accident near Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH?

On 22 June 2008, a Bombardier DHC-8-402 (HB-JGA) operated by Sky Work AG as flight SRK 172 experienced a tail strike upon landing at Bern-Belp Airport. The investigation determined the cause was the crew's reaction to establish an excessively nose-up attitude instead of increasing power during a high descent rate.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jun 2008 involved a BOMBARDIER INC. DHC-8-402, registration HB-JGA, at Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was due to initial contact with the runway by the tail of the aircraft following the crew's reaction to establish an excessively nose-up attitude instead of increasing power in the presence of a high rate of descent. Crew fatigue may have played a role.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/2028_d.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.