Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Diverted
Human Factors; Weather; Aircraft
The ASOS weather on the field was 110/05 4 sm BR clear skies temp 13/12 alt 29.85. We attempted the first approach; where ATC kept us at 2;800 feet until the FAF; per their requirements.  First Officer descended using the automation to approximately 300 feet. The autopilot pitched forcefully down and to the left. He disengaged at the shaker; I took control and executed the go-around. During this attempt; we had the runway lights in sight. I remained at the flight controls for the second attempt where at minimums the field was not in sight; a second missed approach was executed. Center was contacted; with their assistance; we decided on [a nearby alternate] as the diversion destination based on weather and proximity. We began a climb to 5000 feet with approximately 1300 pounds total fuel. Dispatch was notified. We landed at [the alternate] with no further incident.Upon reaching minimums on the second attempt; we noted the fuel quantity and took action to find an alternate airport.Weather was not as expected at the destination; no alternate was provided based on the expected weather at the time of arrival.If presented with this set circumstances [again]; I would not attempt a second approach. I would divert to an alternate airport with better weather.
Weather was showing in the flight release; and on the ASOS at the field it was clear. They had another airplane do a visual just 20 minutes before us; but the low lying clouds came in and [the ASOS] wasn't reporting it.
CRJ-200 flight crew reported an autopilot anomaly forced a go-around and the weather deteriorated during the second approach; resulting in a minimum fuel diversion to the nearest alternate.