Serious Incident to Airbus A310-304 F-OJHI at Birmingham International Airport

Overview and Investigation Authority The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) of the Department for Transport conducted an investigation into a serious incident involving an Airbus A310-304, registration F-OJHI. The incident occurred on 23 February 2006 during an approach to Birmingham International Airport. The investigation was carried out in accordance with The Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 1996. The official report, designated 7/2007, was published on 19 December 2007. ## Flight History and Approach Details The report outlines the flight's progression, including its departure, en-route phase, and descent. The aircraft underwent a first approach, followed by a go-around, and subsequently a final approach. The investigation examined the specific circumstances surrounding these phases, including the failure to capture the localiser and overbanking during the initial localiser capture. ## Technical and Operational Factors The investigation reviewed various technical and operational elements, including the aircraft's navigation, avionics, and automatic flight systems. Specific attention was given to the Ground Proximity Warning System and the Terrain Awareness and Warning System. The report also analyzed the effect of the Honiley VOR and the go-around procedure. ## Analysis and Human Factors The analysis section of the report focused on human factors, including early descent during the first approach, descent below the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), and descent during the go-around procedure. It also examined the early descent on the second approach and the failure to capture the localiser on either approach. The report further discussed aircraft operation, including the Terrain Awareness Warning System, navigation database, and unstable approaches.