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German Accident Investigation Reinforces Dangers of Wake Turbulence

In January, a German-registered Bombardier Challenger 604 was significantly damaged while two passengers on board the aircraft were severely injured during a wake turbulence encounter over the Arabian Sea. BFU
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Key Takeaways:

  • On January 7, 2017, a German-registered Bombardier Challenger 604 was severely damaged and two passengers severely injured after encountering extreme wake turbulence from an Airbus A380 over the Arabian Sea.
  • The Challenger lost control and plunged over 9,000 feet, exceeding structural limits, after passing 1,000 feet below the opposite-direction A380, whose type the pilots were unaware of.
  • The incident highlights the importance of flight crews' vigilance for unexpected hazards, even in good weather, and the potential benefit of procedures like strategic lateral offset to mitigate risks from heavy aircraft wake.
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An interim accident report published by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation highlights the need for flight crews to remain vigilant for unexpected hazards that might appear even in good weather while in cruise flight.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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