B737 Flight crew reported on unstabilized approach receiving a terrain alert resulted in failure to execute a go-around procedure.
Synopsis
B737 Flight crew reported on unstabilized approach receiving a terrain alert resulted in failure to execute a go-around procedure.
Narrative
Approach to ZZZ Runway XXR. FO was flying we were vectored to a visual approach. ATC gave an intercept heading to final; there was a strong crosswind at altitude and it was apparent we would intercept final after the FAF and I brought this to the attention to the FO. At the FAF the aircraft did not descend because we were not on course (AP on). It got to the point I took control of the aircraft and started down (cleared visual). We configured and I captured the course and glide path. Stable at 500 ft; On final a gust caused the airspeed to increase and the aircraft go above the glide path. I corrected a bit too much and we got a to low terrain.At that point I was already correcting. However; per procedure I should have executed the escape maneuver. The caution states that below 500 ft the FM procedure 'MAX Power....'. Additionally; this warning could happen if the flaps are not positioned for landing and the 'Too Low Flap' did not actuate. I do not believe this was the case; but I do not remember. If that was the case it could have been because I took the aircraft at the FAF and we got out of our habit patterns. Additional information: During the previous flight we executed a Go-Around due to a bounced landing (FO). I took the aircraft and executed a Go-Around. Having just done that; I may have been not willing to let the FO continue the approach. On second thought I should have let the FO continue and do a go-around if we were not stable. FO had under 100 hrs.
Second reporter narrative
Captain and I were flying into ZZZ on Date around XXXX. There were winds at altitude and a vector that left us high on the approach. I remember briefing that XXX may fly the final if the wind gusts were out of my limits since I'm under 100 hours. Realizing we were slightly high on base; we transferred controls on base and XXX corrected. I remember getting back on glide path and I believe we were back on glide path by the final approach fix. I also remember 2 red over 2 white on the PAPI and we were stabilized at the call at 500. Somewhere around 500; we got the 'Terrain' warning. We had the touchdown zone in sight so the warning did not make sense. As far as I remember we did not have an excessive descent rate; an excessive pitch or any other undesirable condition. We were stable and everything looked normal. I remember verifying that the gear was down when we got the Terrain" warning. We elected to proceed with a normal landing. I realize now; in retrospect; the correct action was to execute a Go Around."
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.