What happened
On 18 July 2006, a Boeing 737-300, registration EC-JUC, was operating a passenger charter flight from Liverpool to Belfast (Aldergrove) Airport. While performing a VOR/DME approach to Runway 07, the flight crew mistakenly identified the unlicensed Langford Lodge airfield as the destination runway.
Despite the presence of good visibility, the aircraft deviated from its intended course and descended toward the private airfield. The descent rate increased significantly, reaching approximately 2,000 ft/min. As the aircraft descended below 400 ft, the Approach controller was alerted by a low-height filter and observed the aircraft approaching the wrong location. The Tower controller immediately ordered the crew to climb.
Following a go-around, the crew attempted a visual repositioning for landing at Aldergately. This second approach was highly unstable, characterized by significant maneuvering at a very low altitude, including steep turns as the aircraft descended through 250 ft. The crew eventually landed at Aldergrove, though the flight caused distress to the 142 passengers and 6 crew on board. One passenger later filed an official complaint regarding the incident.
The investigation
The investigation examined radar data, radio transcripts, witness accounts, and the aircraft's flight records. Investigators analyzed the vertical profile of the descent and the lateral deviation from the VOR/DME course. The investigation also reviewed the layout of Langford Lodge, noting that its proximity to the Aldergrove approach path and its similar runway orientation contributed to the confusion.
Findings
- The crew misidentified the runway due to the visual similarity between the two airfields in excellent visibility.
- The descent rate was excessively high, doubling the expected rate for a standard 3º glide path.
- The crew's workload was likely high due to the steep descent and the need to manage the aircraft during an unstable approach.
- The presence of an aircraft taxiing at Langford Lodge may have reinforced the crew's mistaken belief that they were approaching an active, licensed airfield.
- The Tower controller did not initially alert the crew to the error, despite having the authority to do so under safety regulations regarding dangerously positioned aircraft.