2025-07 · NASA ASRS report 2267698
CRJ-900 flight crew reported receiving a low altitude alert from ATC during an unstabilized approach.
On Day 0; the Captain and I departed from ZZZ1 after getting a runway change and reroute to our destination of ZZZ. When getting set up for the approach; we were cleared direct to the FAF and told to intercept the localizer. Due to our close proximity to the airport; spoilers were deployed to descend and slow down. We were told to descend to 2;800; which created confusion due to the published altitude being 2;600. Due to the confusion; we were behind the aircraft and wound up below the glide slope. Once realizing our situation; the Captain initiated a go around at roughly 1;000 ft and a caution for flight spoiler deploy" appeared at the same time. The spoilers were then stowed; go around performed; and tower notified. We then performed an rnav approach for the same runway and landed safely.This event occurred on a day with an early report time; and after operating three legs involving deviating around thunderstorms. Our final leg of the day was delayed due to two ground stops before pushing back; a reroute and runway change resulting in almost an hour on the ground after blocking out. Suggestions: Request a longer final if you are uncomfortable with what was assigned. As PM in the situation; I could have better supported the PF in his duties."
We were cleared to descend direct to ZZZZZ at 3;000 feet; which is the final approach fix for Runway XXL at ZZZ. Approach clearance was also received. To assist with the descent; I deployed the flight spoilers. Shortly afterward; ATC instructed us to maintain 2;800 feet until established. This created some confusion; as the FAF altitude was 2;600 feet; which led to us getting behind the aircraft and below the glide path. At approximately 1;000 feet AGL; I initiated a go-around. A flight spoilers caution message appeared during the maneuver; and the spoilers were promptly stowed. The aircraft reached a minimum altitude of approximately 880 feet AGL during the climb-out. ATC issued a low altitude alert; and the First Officer advised that we were already executing the go-around. We were vectored back for another approach and subsequently completed the RNAV to Runway XXL; landing without further issue.This event occurred on the fourth leg of a day that began with an early morning report time and included deviations around thunderstorms during the previous three flights. On this particular leg; we experienced two ground stops prior to departure and remained on the ground for nearly an hour. During the approach; we became compressed and were not able to configure the aircraft in a timely manner. As a result; we became task-saturated; fell behind the aircraft; and the approach became unstable.I should have requested vectors for a longer final once it became apparent that the approach was going to be tight. This would have allowed for more time to configure the aircraft properly and maintain a stable approach path; preventing us from getting below the glide path after ZZZZZ.
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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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