Attempts were made to divert to other airports at Berlin and Eberswalde before the crew decided to land at Werneuchen.

On landing, the aircraft struck an earth bank which ripped off all three undercarriage legs, and came to rest on its belly with an engine on fire.

The aircraft involved was a Saab 2000, registered HB-IZY,[1] and named Doldenhorn, after a 3,643-metre-high (11,952 ft) mountain in Switzerland.

Due to the non-availability of the Embraer 145, a Saab 2000 was substituted, and the briefing for the flight was extended by 15 minutes.

Weather reports indicated a line of thunderstorms, winds up to 45 knots (83 km/h; 52 mph) could be expected at Fuhlsbüttel and the designated alternatives of Hannover and Bremen.

The crew of Flight 850 declined to attempt a landing on Runway 23, and requested a diversion to Langenhagen Airport, Hannover.

The Automatic Terminal Information Service at Tegel stated that the weather there was clear and no significant change was expected.

Approaching Tegel's Runway 08L, the crew requested priority handling, stating that they had fuel for 40 minutes flight.

On approach, severe turbulence was again encountered due to the frontal system having reached Berlin.

[7] Hamburg ATC then offered Neubrandenburg Airport, which was rejected by the crew of Flight 850 on receiving the weather information.

When Flight 850 turned onto its final approach, the captain remarked that the runway was "longer than Berne", and told the first officer to land wherever he wanted.

It then came in contact with the earth bank which ripped off all three undercarriage legs and the aircraft slid to a halt on its belly.

[7] The METARs for both Tegel and Schönefeld airports showed CAVOK and NOSIG, the latter element was criticised by the BFU.

[7] At 18:20, a new METAR was issued at Tegel: EDDT VRB01KT 9999 FEW040CB SCT120 BKN260 29/17 Q1002 A2959 0998 2947 TEMPO 27025G55KT 2000 +TSRA BKN009 BKN015CB COMMENTS: OCNL LTNG AND CB SW OF STN.