Air carrier flight crew reported an unstabilzed approach which resulted in an ATC low altitude alert and GPWS warning in the cockpit during daylight VMC weather conditions. The crew stopped the descent; then continued the approach to landing.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported an unstabilzed approach which resulted in an ATC low altitude alert and GPWS warning in the cockpit during daylight VMC weather conditions. The crew stopped the descent; then continued the approach to landing.
Narrative
Arriving into EWR we began getting vectors off the FLOSI 4 around HANAA. Back and forth 90 degree turns all the way in with incremental altitude changes of 1000' at at time so I was using FLCH for the changes as they were so small. I started looking at the briefing guide 1 hour out to become more familiar as I have never used that approach into EWR and I haven't flown in months. I briefed all my intentions about what mode to use and altitudes etc and what we should expect to see on the FMAs (Flight Mode Annunciator). I was also weary of being too high and or fast so we slowed as soon as EWR allowed and were stable at IZECKO. As we were cleared for the approach I accomplished the checklist. However as I was intent on getting lower I neglected to verify my FMAs other than stating FAC/GP was armed not verifying the current descent mode which was still in FLCH. I was alerted to this as we descended through the MDA after AFISK I believe to approximately 880' perhaps before AXELL. I was too focused on the visual aspect so it went unnoticed by my scan. We received a CAUTION OBSTACLE alert and I immediately turned the A/P (Autopilot) off and leveled off; adjusted back towards 920' and just continued the approach hand flying to a normal and stable landing on 29.
Second reporter narrative
Flying RNV W 29 into EWR. After being cleared for the approach; we did our checklist. While on the descent; before the IAF; FLCH was pushed to get down faster and I didn't catch the change in FMAs (Flight Mode Annunciator) as pilot monitoring. We descended on the approach but went below the path and got a low alt alert; tower called; we leveled off; and we acknowledged the call and we were cleared to land. We continued the approach while fixing the FMAs.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.