Uncommanded Pitch Down During Approach at Bern Airport

Casualties unknown • Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH

A Bombardier CL604 experienced a sudden negative longitudinal pitch during its final approach to Bern, forcing the crew to execute a go-around.

What happened

On December 28, 2021, at 15:12 local time, a Bombardier Aerospace Ltd., CL604, registered as G-XONE, was performing a private flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) from Farnborough Airport to Bern Airport. The aircraft was carrying two crew members and six passengers.

As the aircraft was on short final for runway 14 at Bern, it encountered a sudden and significant negative longitudinal pitch while at an altitude of less than 100 feet above the ground. In response to this unexpected movement, the flight crew immediately initiated a go-around procedure. Following the aborted landing, the aircraft diverted to Zurich Airport.

The investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) opened an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the sudden pitch change. The preliminary report notes that there were no injuries to the crew or passengers, and no damage was sustained by the aircraft or any third parties during the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-12-28 BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE LTD. CL604 accident near Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH?

A Bombardier CL604 experienced a sudden negative longitudinal pitch during its final approach to Bern, forcing the crew to execute a go-around.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-12-28 involved a BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE LTD. CL604, registration G-XONE, at Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH.

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

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