CRJ-900 flight crew flew an unstabilized approach while in IMC.
Synopsis
CRJ-900 flight crew flew an unstabilized approach while in IMC.
Narrative
While on the ZZZZZ arrival into ZZZ we were cleared for the ILS [Runway] XXR. The arrival leads directly into the ILS XXR. We flew the arrival in white [needles] (FO (First Officer) was PF (Pilot Flying); I was PM (Pilot Monitoring)) and once we intercepted the final approach course switched from FMS to HDG (Heading) mode; sequenced the approach and then switched to green needles and hit approach mode. We were in IMC (ceilings were at 800 ft. and vis was 5 miles) After a few seconds I realized that we must have gotten pushed by the wind when we switched to HDG mode and were no longer on the LOC; just paralleling it; I called it out and the FO adjusted our heading bug to better intercept the LOC. The GS had begun to come in so we started to descend (by hitting VS) to stay close to that until the LOC was captured. This was right around the final approach fix. We had already configured and gotten clearance to land. At this point the plane still hadn't officially captured the LOC so the FO turned off the autopilot and started to hand fly. I bugged 3;000 ft for our missed approach. We received a 'Glideslope' aural and I realized we had gone below the GS; I called that out and the FO began to level off to correct it. At this point our airspeed had started to bleed off. I called that out and the FO corrected. We then broke out around 700 or 800 ft. Right around this time the LOC started to deflect; the runway was in sight and off to our left. We corrected and landed normally. In hindsight I should have called a go-around. There were too many factors working against us and I shouldn't have allowed that approach to continue as it did. I also forgot to make the 500 ft call out because I was so distracted by everything else happening. Everything was going well until we didn't capture the LOC when switching from white to green needles; that started a chain reaction of us being behind the aircraft. I should have called a go-around when that happened.Suggestion: To always stay ahead of the aircraft and be extra cautious when switching from white to green needles. To call a go-around when things start to go wrong; especially that close to the ground in IMC. I should not have let that approach continue.
Second reporter narrative
On approach into ZZZ on Day 0; when switching from white to green needles; the course didn't capture. Autopilot was disconnected; and restabalized by 700 feet on the course and GS. On approach; we had a direct crosswind. When we lined up with the final approach course and went to green needles VIA heading mode; we did not intercept the course. We realized when we tried to catch up with GS; as it did not capture and we became low on the GS after being high. I disconnected the autopilot; reintercepted course. We received a GS warning during which we leveled off until it became alive and we followed it back to the ground. We broke out of clouds around 800 feet and we're visually able to confirm we were aligned with the runway and had two red two white on the PAPI. During debrief; we said that either of us should have called a go-around; even if we did meet criteria that we had stabilized by 500 feet and had visually confirmed at 800 feet. Suggestions: When switching from white to green; visually ensure that the course has been intercepted. Don't assume that just because we were aligned in one mode; we will be aligned in another. When at the FAF; should decide to go around instead of trying to make an S turn to reintercept course.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.