SATA International Airbus A320 CS-TKK Diverted to Lajes After Failed Approach at Ponta Delgada

Incident Overview On 30 July 2006, SATA International operated a scheduled passenger flight between Porto and Ponta Delgada using an Airbus A320, registration CS-TKK. The aircraft was returning to Ponta Delgada when deteriorating weather conditions prevented a safe landing. The flight crew diverted to Lajes, the first alternate airport in the flight plan, where conditions were suitable for landing. ## Flight Progression During descent to Ponta Delgada, the commander was informed that weather conditions did not meet the required minima for a safe landing. The aircraft reduced speed to delay arrival and conserve fuel while waiting for an improvement. As conditions remained adverse, the crew entered a holding pattern at the NAVPO point. At 23:41 UTC, with fuel approaching the minimum required for the alternate, the crew began an instrument landing system approach. After reaching the published minimum altitude without the required visibility, the commander executed a missed approach and returned to the holding point at 23:42 UTC. At 23:49 UTC, the pilot informed Ponta Delgada control that the aircraft would proceed to Lajes because no weather improvement had occurred. The aircraft was cleared to proceed directly to the LM point and climb to flight level 180. After contacting Santa Maria control at 23:52 UTC, the aircraft was instructed to proceed to MIPRU and enter a holding pattern. Santa Maria had coordinated with Lajes approach control, which had needed to request authorization from the military command for the civil aircraft to land. ## Fuel Situation and Landing At 00:00 UTC on 31 July, the aircraft entered the holding pattern at MIPRU. The pilot asked Santa Maria for the expected time of approach and was told it depended on authorization from the Lajes military command. At 00:11 UTC, with no forecast for an approach time, the pilot informed Santa Maria that the aircraft would enter a critical fuel situation unless the approach began immediately. Two minutes later, the aircraft was transferred to Lajes approach control and authorized to begin the approach. The aircraft landed at 00:30 UTC and reached the parking area at 00:37 UTC with 880 kg of fuel remaining. ## Findings and Context The incident involved no injuries and no damage to the aircraft or third parties. The report notes that Lajes is a military airfield where civil aircraft landings are permitted only with prior request made 15 days in advance or in an emergency. The sequence of events led to a declaration of fuel minimums in flight before the aircraft received authorization for approach and landing. The investigation was conducted under applicable international and national aviation safety regulations, with the objective of determining causes and formulating recommendations to prevent recurrence, rather than assigning blame or liability.