B737 flight crew reported an airborne conflict with a small aircraft while on initial approach in IMC. Captain took evasive action to avoid a collision and conducted a go around to a landing.
Synopsis
B737 flight crew reported an airborne conflict with a small aircraft while on initial approach in IMC. Captain took evasive action to avoid a collision and conducted a go around to a landing.
Narrative
On final; just prior to glide slope intercept ILS XX; at ZZZ. 1;600 ft. MSL aircraft was IMC. In flight visibility at 1/2 mile. F/O (First Officer) [was] Pilot Flying. Traffic Advisory on PFD. I made a comment to not to descend yet due to the traffic. In seconds; the traffic converged and climbed causing a Resolution Advisory for the aircraft now at our 930. I observed the red climb bar on the PFD. I advised the First Officer to immediately initiate a climb to avoid the conflict. Simultaneously; I looked outside and got visual contact with the Aircraft Y co-altitude; belly up and with a vector into us. It was in a hard left bank to evade. I advised Tower that we were climbing for a Resolution Advisory. He advised ZZZ [Tracon] was talking to that aircraft. Tower asked if we could still land. I advised it was not possible; and that we would take vectors for another approach. Once the aircraft was clean; stable and safe; I made a public address to the Passengers advising what happened; that automated systems advised of the conflict; that we were safe; and will be landing shortly. Passengers seemed happy after we got to the gate. The Passenger in seat 1A reported seeing another aircraft at the time that our engine noise increased. In the process of transitioning from evasive maneuver into a go-around; we got an air speed; low warning. I advised the F/O to reduce climb angle and increase power; but to monitor his speed. It was a momentary deviation. I assess this conflict as a near miss that likely would've resulted in a mid-air collision if not for immediate adherence to the Resolution Advisory. I am not sure what could've been done differently. We complied with the Resolution Advisory immediately. The Cessna was in IMC conditions that they were likely not qualified for. I believe our procedures and training allowed us to mitigate the situation and safely maneuver the aircraft while avoiding a mid-air collision.
Second reporter narrative
On a 9-mile final into ZZZ Runway XX; established on the localizer; 1;600 ft.; 180 kts; Flaps 15; landing gear down. Tower advised traffic 9-10 o'clock; 500 ft. below; will remain clear of final. At 8-mile final; traffic turned amber on MFD TCAS; indicated -04; roughly 2 miles northwest. At 7-mile final; traffic indicated red on TCAS; -02 inside of a 1-mile northwest of our position. I immediately added thrust and pitched up; following command indications on the PFD. At that point; the Captain observed the traffic banking away (belly up from our vantage point) roughly 200 ft. below and 1/2 (half) a mile. We then executed a go-around climbing to 3;000 ft. on runway heading per Tower instructions. Landed safely on next approach.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.