Canadian investigators have disclosed that a Bombardier Learjet 35A experienced an in-flight upset from wake turbulence during an approach to Halifax.
The aircraft, inbound from Thunder Bay on 18 October, was in-trail to a Discover Airlines Airbus A330-200 arriving from Frankfurt.
During the approach to runway 05, the Learjet was 6nm behind the A330, according to Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
It states that the business aircraft “encountered a wake turbulence event” at 3,000ft, while travelling at 170kt.
The Learjet entered an “uncontrollable” roll to the right, the safety board adds, banking up to 45°, and losing some 100-200ft in altitude.
After regaining control of the aircraft, the crew executed a go-around, subsequently landing on the same runway after a second approach.
None of the three occupants was injured. The occurrence was reported to air traffic control, while the aircraft operator “communicated the circumstances with all aircrew”, says the safety board.
It identifies the Learjet involved as C-GTXM, operated by Top Aces.
Top Aces is a Montreal-based specialist in training combat pilots, providing services to clients including the US Air Force as well as the Canadian and German armed forces.
Transportation Safety Board of Canada says the A330 was the German-registered D-AXGF.
