2024-08 · NASA ASRS report 2160070
Air carrier flight crew reported receiving an EGPWS warning on approach.
Received a aural Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System warning that stated 'obstacle obstacle' while on left downwind to a visual of RW XXL at ZZZ. We were backing ourselves up with the ILS XXL. After being cleared for the visual approach we descended down to 3000 ft MSL in the left downwind which is the altitude for intercepting the Final Approach Fix. As we were about to make the left hand turn to base we got the audio 'obstacle obstacle' Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System aural warning. At that time the Captain took controls; turned autopilot off; and we immediately went heading mode and turned left 90 degrees. After rolling out on left base; Captain called for autopilot On and transferred the controls back to me. We intercepted the localizer and glideslope for ILS XXL and landed for the visual approach for RW XXL at ZZZ with no other issues. Cause: The cause of this event is two fold. The first being a lack of briefing the towers that caused the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System aural warning so we were unaware of the height of these towers and two we descended to the final approach altitude on downwind instead of when established on the final approach course. Suggestions: Suggestions for avoiding this in the future is to ensure all obstacles are briefed during the brief which will assist reasoning in staying at certain altitude on the approach even if it is a visual approach.
While on approach into ZZZ we were cleared for the visual to XXL while on approximately a 15 mile left downwind. We continued our descent to 3000 FT MSL on the downwind with the intention of turning base in between ZZZZZ and ZZZZZ2 on the ILS XXL as we were using the instrument approach to back up our visual approach. When we were roughly abeam ZZZZZ; we received an 'OBSTACLE OBSTACLE' aural warning from the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System. I disconnected the autopilot; assumed aircraft control; and immediately turned 90 degrees to the left to join the left base. We were approximately 2-3 miles from ZZZZZ in the turn and level at 3000 FT MSL. After the aircraft was stabilized and clear of all terrain/obstacles I returned aircraft control to the FO. We did not receive any further Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System warnings and continued to land uneventfully.Cause: For me the cause of this event was fixation on guiding the FO through the function of the autopilot while using white needles to intercept an ILS LOC/GS. I was more fixated on providing prompts on when to turn and arm modes than looking outside visually; as we were using the ILS to back up the visual approach. Furthermore; we never briefed the significant obstacle abeam ZZZZZ when performing the arrival briefing enroute. For me this was due to complacency as I have gone into ZZZ many times; without issue.Suggestions: Crews should maintain a heightened sense of alertness while going into airports; even if they are familiar outstations. Briefing all terrain / obstacle considerations for an approach should be done every time regardless of a pilot's familiarity with the airport/approach. Perhaps highlighting this in training or another notice would re-emphasize the importance of doing so.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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