What happened
During the final approach phase, the aircraft descended beneath the intended approach path and touched down before reaching the designated aim point. During this landing sequence, the main landing gear tyres struck two runway threshold lights.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the approach, noting that the pilot under training was performing their first approach without visual slope guidance in a jet aircraft. This transition, coupled with the requirement to follow new operating procedures for a new aircraft type, contributed to a significant increase in workload for the trainee.
Simultaneously, the training captain also faced elevated workload levels while performing the pilot monitoring role and supervising the trainee. The investigation examined how these combined pressures influenced the crew's ability to maintain the correct flight path.
Findings
- The flight crew experienced high workload due to the demands of line training and the introduction of new aircraft operating procedures.
- The absence of visual approach slope guidance was a significant factor.
- The combination of high workload and the lack of slope guidance likely prevented the crew from identifying that the aircraft had deviated below the required approach path.