The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) today (April 23) published the Investigation Report IVR-2026-01 on the investigation into an abnormal runway contact incident involving a Bombardier BD-700-2A12 (Global 7500) business jet (registration mark N899ST) operated by a private company landing at Hong Kong International Airport on October 27, 2022.

     At 9.22pm that day, the pilot activated the thrust reverser when landing at Hong Kong International Airport. The lower thrust reverser doors of both engines subsequently touched the runway, resulting in damage to these doors. No casualty was reported in the incident.

     The investigation found that the pilot continued to pull the sidestick after the mainwheel touchdown, which delayed the aircraft's de-rotation, bringing it into a low speed/high angle of attack (AoA) situation. When coupled with the engine's maximum reverse thrust, the aircraft eventually pitched up, causing the lower thrust reverser doors at the rear to touch the runway.

     The investigation team has made three safety recommendations to Bombardier Inc. These recommendations are: (1) taking measures to communicate the flight/handling characteristics observed along with any pertinent lessons learned in this incident to a broader pilot community; (2) conducting a review of the guidance and procedures outlined in the Recommended Operational Procedures and Techniques to ensure that the prescribed handling techniques do not inadvertently result in a high nose attitude situation; and (3) conducting a technical evaluation of the aircraft's envelope protection to determine if any suitable measure(s) can be implemented in safeguarding the aircraft against the pitch up effect resulting from the thrust reverser deployment in a low speed/high AoA regime after landing.

     The investigation was conducted by a team of professional investigators in strict adherence to international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). "The objective of the investigation was to identify the circumstances and causes of the accident with a view to preventing a recurrence," an AAIA spokesperson said.

     Throughout the investigation, all parties concerned were properly consulted on the report. The report is available for downloading on the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).

     The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the ICAO standards.

Ends/Thursday, April 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:18

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