Created Monday, Apr 27th 2026 16:20Z, last updated Monday, Apr 27th 2026 16:20Z
A Malta Air Boeing 737-800 on behalf of Ryanair, registration 9H-QDZ performing positioning flight FR-9672 from Copenhagen (Denmark) to Gothenburg (Sweden) with only crew on board, was on final approach to Gothenburg's runway 21 when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence prompting the crew to go around from about 1300 feet MSL. The aircraft climbed to about 2150 feet then began to descend again before finally settling in a climb at about 1600 feet MSL. The aircraft climbed to FL280 and diverted to Stockholm (Sweden) for a safe landing.
Sweden's Statens Haverikommission (SHK) rated the occurrence a serious incident and opened an investigation stating: "The aircraft, registration 9H-QDZ, was performing a repositioning flight with only the crew on board. Shortly before landing, severe turbulence was experienced. The landing was aborted and a go-around was initiated. Due to strong winds and turbulence, the aircraft became difficult to control and was flown outside the permitted limits for the aircraft type, which posed a risk of serious damage to the aircraft. Despite the pilot attempting to climb, the aircraft initially descended, but then climbed to the intended altitude, after which a normal landing was carried out at another airport."
The aircraft remained on the ground in Stockholm for about 38 hours before returning to service.
