What happened
On May 13, 2018, at 06:50 UTC, a Boeing 737-800 was performing an approach to Fuerteventura Airport (GCFV). Prior to the descent, the crew had briefed the TERTO6S arrival procedure for runway 01. However, during the descent phase, the crew incorrectly programmed the Flight Management Computer (FMC) with an ILS 0/1 approach and selected the TENDA transition point.
As a result of this error, the aircraft followed an ILS approach path via radial 189 from LTE, rather than the intended TERTO6S route via TOSPU, NIDOM, FV621, FV622, FV623, and SOTAD. Air traffic controllers intervened twice, instructing the crew to follow the TERTO6S procedure. Despite the crew incorrectly confirming they were following the correct procedure, the controller subsequently interrupted the flight path and provided radar vectors on a heading of 190 to intercept the LOC RWY01.
The landing was completed without further incident, and the crew later contacted the Air Traffic Control Center via telephone to acknowledge and explain the error.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator and overseen by the PKBWL, examined the flight management inputs and the crew's adherence to the briefed arrival procedure. The investigation established that the flight management system was programmed with incorrect waypoints and approach parameters, leading to a deviation from the assigned STAR.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was human error involving the incorrect selection of the arrival procedure in the FMC.
- Atmospheric conditions at the time of the event had no impact on the occurrence.