What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-01-30 involved a Bombardier DHC-8-400, at TMA EPWA, PL.

Altitude Deviation during Approach in Warsaw TMA

On January 30, 2015, a Bombardier DHC-8-400 was involved in an aviation accident near TMA EPWA, PL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew did not press the ALT SEL button, resulting in failure to capture the preset altitude of 3000 ft. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL).

On 30 January 2015, a Bombardier DHC-8-400 exceeded its cleared altitude by over 300 ft during an ILS approach to Warsaw. The crew had not pressed the ALT SEL button, causing the altitude capture to fail.

Occurrence

On 30 January 2015, a Bombardier DHC-8-400 operated by Eurolot SA was conducting an approach to land in the Warsaw Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA EPWA). During the approach, the aircraft deviated from the altitude cleared by air traffic control by more than 300 feet.

The crew received clearance to descend to 3000 feet. After turning to intercept the ILS for Runway 11, the aircraft descended to 2500 feet. Controllers then instructed the crew to climb back to 3000 feet. The remainder of the approach was completed normally using the ILS system.

Probable Cause

The cause of the incident was the crew's failure to press the ALT SEL button, which prevented the autopilot from capturing the previously set altitude of 3000 feet.

Preventive Measures

No preventive measures were applied by the operator.

Safety Recommendations

The investigation commission did not issue any safety recommendations.

2015-01-30: Bombardier DHC-8-400 — TMA EPWA, PL