Flight History
On 28 March 2014, EL AL flight 311, a Boeing 737-800 with registration 4X-EKL, departed from Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, bound for Luton Airport in London. The aircraft carried 2 pilots, 5 cabin attendants, and 173 passengers. The flight crew consisted of a 57-year-old Captain with approximately 16,800 flight hours and a 39-year-old First Officer with experience on the Boeing 737. During pre-flight briefing, the crew noted forecast fog at Luton and added 600 kg of extra fuel.
Weather and Approach
At the time of arrival, Luton Airport experienced fog with horizontal visibility of 200–250 meters. The aircraft was cleared for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 08. The air traffic controller advised the crew of deteriorating runway visual range (RVR) values: 175, 175, and 200 meters. The crew, aware that these values were below standard minima for a Category III approach, discussed whether to continue. During this discussion, they did not configure the aircraft for landing; flaps remained at 5 and landing gear was not deployed.
The Incident
While still in approach configuration with a speed of approximately 175 knots, the aircraft descended to 800 feet above ground level (AGL). The crew received an automated callout "ONE THOUSAND" earlier than expected, prompting the Captain to respond "STABILIZED." The First Officer then observed three red landing gear warning lights. Immediately, a steady warning horn sounded, indicating the landing gear were not down. The crew executed an immediate go-around and informed air traffic control.
Aftermath
The crew held while checking weather at alternate airports. Visibility at Luton improved, and they conducted a second approach, landing uneventfully. After landing, the Captain reported the incident to the fleet's Chief Pilot. A month later, the Israeli investigation office initiated an investigation upon learning of the incident through public sources. The investigation noted that the crew had not completed the landing checklist due to preoccupation with visibility conditions and approach ban considerations.