What happened
On 30 December 2020, a Bombardier BD-700-1A10 (Global 6000), registration 9H-OJP, was performing an instrument flight rules positioning flight from Korea Incheon International Airport to Taichung International Airport. The flight, operated by Elit’Avia Malta Limited, was subject to significant meteorological disturbances caused by a strong cold high-pressure system, resulting in heavy gusty winds and a significant crosswind component for runway 36.
As the aircraft approached touchdown, the flight crew attempted to manage rapid fluctuations in roll and pitch induced by the wind. Approximately two seconds before touchdown, the crew applied significant control inputs. The aircraft experienced a hard touchdown on the right main landing gear while in a right rolling motion, causing the right wingtip to contact the runway. Following a bounce, the pilot applied a left wing-down input to correct the roll, which caused the left wingtip to also strike the runway surface. The impact resulted in damage to the left wing slat and aileron, as well as the right winglet, aileron, and flap canoes. There were no injuries to the three crew members on board.
The investigation
The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) conducted the investigation with assistance from the Maltese Bureau of Air Accident Investigation, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, Bombardier, and the operator. The investigation examined flight data recorder (FDR) parameters, cockpit voice recordings, and meteorological reports. The inquiry focused on the timing of autopilot disengagement, the management of airspeed and thrust during the flare, and the effectiveness of the crew's control inputs under turbulent conditions.