Late Go-Around and Unstable Approach in Cessna Citation I SP at Zurich Airport

Casualties unknown • Zürich Flughafen (LSZH), ZH, CH

A private Cessna C510 Citation I SP experienced a long landing and a late go-around at Zurich Airport, nearly running out of runway during the maneuver.

What happened

On December 18, 2020, a privately operated Cessna C510 Citation I SP, registration D-IGGG, was performing an instrument approach to runway 14 at Zurich Airport (LSZH) from Nuremberg. The pilot was flying the aircraft manually for training purposes. During the approach, the air traffic controller proactively informed the pilot of low cloud ceilings, noting that visibility of the runway might be delayed due to fog.

As the aircraft progressed along the glidepath, it was noted to be significantly above the required altitude. The aircraft touched down approximately 900 meters before the end of the 3,150-meter runway. Upon landing, the pilot engaged the thrust reversers. Observing the late touchdown and high speed, the air traffic controller issued a go-around instruction. The pilot initiated the maneuver, but the aircraft only lifted off approximately 150 meters before the runway terminus. During the subsequent climb, the pilot climbed to 7,200 ft AMSL, exceeding the assigned altitude of 4,000 ft AMSL and later 6,000 ft AMSL, which created a potential airprox risk.

The investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) examined radar recordings, radio communications, pilot and controller statements, and video footage. The investigation focused on the aircraft's flight path, the stability of the approach, and the timing of the go-around command.

Findings

  • The approach was not a stabilized approach, as the aircraft was significantly above the glidepath and failed to meet stabilization criteria well before the decision height.
  • The pilot continued the approach despite clear indicators that a go-around was necessary.
  • The touchdown occurred very late on the runway, leaving minimal margin for error or for a successful go-around maneuver.
  • The pilot's climb exceeded assigned altitude limits, increasing the risk of a collision with other aircraft.
  • The investigation concluded that the incident was the result of inadequate approach preparation and the decision to continue an unstable approach under low-visibility conditions.

Probable cause

The primary cause was the pilot's failure to execute a go-around when the approach became unstable, leading to a late touchdown that left insufficient runway remaining to safely complete a go-around maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-12-18 CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY Cessna 501 accident near Zürich Flughafen (LSZH), ZH, CH?

A private Cessna C510 Citation I SP experienced a long landing and a late go-around at Zurich Airport, nearly running out of runway during the maneuver.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-12-18 involved a CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY Cessna 501, registration D-IGGG, at Zürich Flughafen (LSZH), ZH, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause was the pilot's failure to execute a go-around when the approach became unstable, leading to a late touchdown that left insufficient runway remaining to safely complete a go-around maneuver.

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