A320 flight crew reported executing two go-arounds at BOS in gusty wind conditions. The second go-around also involved a wake turbulence encounter.
Synopsis
A320 flight crew reported executing two go-arounds at BOS in gusty wind conditions. The second go-around also involved a wake turbulence encounter.
Narrative
This report is to document the circumstances around two go-arounds on Runway 27 at BOS. I was the Captain and pilot flying on the flight [to] BOS. Flight was uneventful until short final when the actual winds and the programmed winds began to differ greatly; causing an increased mini groundspeed (Airbus gust correction) of 150 kts. vs programmed approach speed of 139. This increased ground speed; light weight; gusty winds; and delayed power reduction because of speed required; caused a ballooned flare which floated the aircraft out of the touchdown zone. Additionally; Runway 27 is only 7000 ft.; making the touchdown zone even more critical; therefore; I executed a go-around. There was a helicopter crossing departure end of 27; forcing an aggressive climb to 3000 ft. We were vectored back around for a second attempt at ILS 27; however; we were vectored 6 miles in trail of an A330 and given specific speeds that maintained that spacing on final. Due to winds of 340/13G19 and the 7000 ft. runway; the wake of the preceding A330 caused the aircraft to balloon and float out of a safe landing position again; forcing a second go-around from landing position. The go-around was uneventful; however; due to approaching reserve fuel levels; we elected to declare minimum fuel and requested vectors to Runway 33; to be more aligned with the prevailing winds and on the longer runway. Approach and landing were uneventful and we arrived at the gate with exactly 3;900 lbs. fuel; our reserve for that flight.
Second reporter narrative
Two go arounds performed landing on Runway 27 BOS before a successful approach was conducted to 33L. Both go arounds were initiated below 50 ft.; the first of which ground contact was made during the go around. I believe the primary cause for both go arounds to be an increased reference speed due to inaccurate wind reporting at BOS. Loaded winds were 340/13g19. Airplane mini gs pushed ref speed up to 150 kts. causing excess float. This in combination with wake turbulence from a heavy on second approach prevented us from making a safe landing during first 2 events. Min fuel was declared and during 3rd approach ATC gave us updated winds of (from memory) 340/27g35. Successful landing was made.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.