What happened
On 22 August 2013, a Boeing 737-800, registration G-FDZG, operated by Thomson Airways, was on approach to Lanzarote Airport (GCRR) from London Gatwick. Due to changing wind conditions, air traffic controllers instructed the crew to modify their maneuver and perform a VOR approach to runway 21. During the final approach segment, a sudden wind shift resulted in a tailwind, destabilizing the aircraft and forcing the crew to execute a go-around.
Following the missed approach, the crew decided to divert to their alternate airport at Fuerteventura (GCFV). Because the remaining fuel was approaching final reserve levels, the crew declared a fuel emergency (May andday). The aircraft performed a visual approach and landed safely at Fuerteventura with no injuries to the 169 passengers or 7 crew members.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the sequence of events, including the air traffic control (ATC) decisions and the meteorological conditions at Lanzarote. The investigation reviewed the flight data, crew statements, and the management of the Canaries approach sector. The commission also looked into the response of the Fuerteventura tower following the emergency declaration.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the execution of a non-precision approach at a high rate of descent with a tailwind, which led to the unstable approach and subsequent diversion.
- The Lanzarote tower controller changed the active runway based on surface wind conditions without first confirming the actual wind conditions experienced by aircraft already on approach.
- The Canaries approach sector was experiencing high congestion, which complicated traffic management following the runway change.
- The controller at Fuerteventura failed to follow established procedures by not activating the airport's Emergency Plan immediately after the Mayday call.
- The geographical and meteorological characteristics of Lanzarote, specifically regarding runway 21, make stable approaches difficult due to potential windshear and steep approach angles.
Safety action
- REC 61/15: The commission issued a safety recommendation to SAERCO, the airport control services provider at Lanzarote, to conduct a detailed study of the meteorological and operational conditions required to place runway 21 into service to ensure stable operations.