What happened
On August 17, 2015, a Jet Airways Boeing 737-800, registration VT-JFA, was operating a scheduled flight from Doha to Cochin. During the arrival at Cochin, the crew encountered heavy haze and low cloud cover, which prevented them from establishing visual contact with the runway. This led to an initial go-around. As the flight continued, the crew performed a second and third go-around at Cochin as visibility continued to degrade.
Due to dwindling fuel levels, the crew decided to re-designate Trivandrum as their alternate destination. Upon arriving at Trivandrum, the crew faced similar visibility challenges. After a fourth go-around, the aircraft's fuel levels dropped below 1,300 kg, prompting the pilot to declare a "MAY DAY" due fuel.
In an attempt to land, the crew performed three subsequent visual approaches at Trivandrum. During these maneuvers, the aircraft was not properly aligned with the runway, and the crew experienced EGPWS terrain warnings. The aircraft finally landed safely on runway 32 during its seventh total approach of the flight, with only 349 kg of fuel remaining on board.
The investigation
The AAIB India investigation focused on the decision-making processes of the flight crew and the lack of operational guidelines within the airline. Investigators examined the flight logs, weather reports from both Cochin and Trivandrum, and the sequence of the seven approaches. The inquiry also reviewed the communication between the cockpit and Air Traffic Control (ATC) regarding changing visibility trends.
Findings
- The crew attempted a total of seven approaches/missed approaches across two airports.
- The pilot chose to perform three visual approaches at Trivandrum despite being in conditions below the required minima.
- The crew ignored several EGPWS terrain warnings during the final approach maneuvers.
- There was a lack of company policy regarding the maximum number of approaches allowed before a diversion must be initiated.
- The airline lacked specific guidelines for the re-designation of an alternate aerodrome during flight in inclement weather.
- While Cochin ATC was aware of reducing visibility trends, the updated information regarding Trivandrum's deteriorating weather was not communicated to the diverting aircraft.
Safety action
- The DGCA may advise the operator to establish a clear policy regarding the number of permitted approaches and missed approaches during bad weather.
- The operator should define formal criteria and processes for re-designating destination alternates while in flight.
- The airline is encouraged to incorporate low-fuel scenarios and decision-making training into simulator sessions.