2024-07 · NASA ASRS report 2146296
Air carrier flight crew reported receiving a GPWS terrain alert on the River Visual approach to DCA Runway 19.
River Visual at night. Before turning final the PAPI showed one dot high; I was in the process of correcting when the PAPI indicated four whites and I was slightly left of center line. I choose to go around. I pressed TOGA; I moved the thrust level forward and began rotating toward the command bars; called for flaps 8 but I didn't hear the positive rate call. I thought the F/O forgot to call it but it was because we were not climbing. I noticed I didn't push the thrust levers to the go around detent. As I pushed the thrust levers and we received positive rate I called for gear up. We received a GPWS TOO LOW…." The FO said just "TOO LOW" I thought I heard "TOO LOW GEAR" but we were not sure which was correct after talking about it. It only lasted a few seconds. We were on center line of the runway. ATC said climb to 3000 and turn right when able to 250. We complied and asked for the RNAV 15. We proceeded to land on 15 with no other issues.After being high on the approach; I initially started the go-around procedure properly; but didn't get the thrust levers to the go-around detent causing the other problem. I should have pushed the thrust levers smoothly but quickly to the go-around detent. I think I was more focused on not doing it more aggressively to avoid over pitching and climb through our 1600 visual pattern attitude before ATC could give us different instructions. I should have been worried about that and been more concerned with getting the power set. I hadn't done a go-around since training. I felt rusty but we put more focus in the words I use and the motions that should follow. This was the end of a five day stretch with late flights every night.I was using the company procedure but it seems to bring us in high for the approach. Also; the center line lights being out on 19 make the visual alignment more challenging with all the other lights in the area. They need to get those fixed. Even when the landings are good on runway 19; with the center line lights out and the markings in terrible shape; it is challenging to stay on center line. Also; the suggested altitudes on the visual approach may need to be lowered slightly. But that's just my opinion."
During a go around at DCA River Visual 19; Captain (PF) called for flaps 8 without moving thrust to TOGA detent. I (PM) called for set thrust" to alert the Captain to set thrust to TOGA detent; and after couple seconds comply with his request for flaps 8. During high workload from ATC; Captain asked for gear up; and for my best recollection I mentioned we don't have positive rate yet; and complied with his request after I thought I saw the thrust in TOGA. We received a GPWS alert for being too low around that time.The root cause for the GPWS alert is that the plane was not configured with the TOGA power during the go around and we were low without gear on the go around - therefor received GPWS [alert].Attention needs to be made that procedure are done in the appropriate order and time line. Continue to chair fly go around to practice. Brief every approach what will be the procedure in case of a go around including call outs."
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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