What happened
On 07 March 2017, a Boeing 737-800, registered as C-GWSV, was performing a scheduled instrument flight rules (IFR) service from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario, to Princess Juliana International Airport, Sint Maarten. While the crew was executing an approach to Runway 10, the aircraft drifted away from its established descent profile.
By 1534 Atlantic Standard Time (AST), the aircraft had reached an altitude of only 40 feet above the water, positioned 0.30 nautical miles from the runway threshold. Due to this deviation, the crew decided to execute a missed approach. Because visibility levels were insufficient to attempt a subsequent approach immediately, the aircraft was instructed to enter a holding pattern. Once visibility improved, the crew performed a second approach and successfully landed the aircraft at 1618 AST.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the flight's deviation from the descent path and the risks associated with the approach in reduced visibility. The inquiry examined the flight path and the operational conditions present during the initial approach to the runway.