The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch has released an update on its investigation of the Jan. 31, 2022, accident involving a U.S.-registered Bombardier Challenger 604. The twinjet suffered substantial damage attempting to land at London Stansted Airport.
After flying an ILS approach to Runway 22 during a strong crosswind (300 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 24), the AAIB said, “The aircraft flared after which it floated above the runway at about 10 feet agl for several seconds. [It] then diverged off the runway and rolled left, as a result of which the left wingtip made contact with the grass. The stick pusher activated at some point, causing the aircraft to bounce onto its nosewheel.”
After aborting the landing attempt, the aircraft diverted to London Gatwick Airport, where it arrived without further incident. There were reports that the aircraft left behind a trail of debris on the runway at Stansted. There were no injuries, but the damage to the left wing and forward fuselage was severe enough that the aircraft was determined to be a total loss.
According to the AAIB, the investigation is nearly complete and the final report looking into the accident is expected to be published later this year.