Air carrier flight crew reported encountering a downdraft on short final and a go around was accomplished. First Officer's lack of air carrier experience was cited as contributing.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported encountering a downdraft on short final and a go around was accomplished. First Officer's lack of air carrier experience was cited as contributing.
Narrative
During a normal approach to Runway 6 in ILM; we executed a balked landing as the result of an aural sink rate; followed by a destabilized round-out. The FO (First Officer) was pilot flying during this segment and began a normal approach to landing. The winds were mostly down the runway at 12 knots and the approach was stable. At around 200 feet the FO disengaged the Autopilot to hand-fly the remainder of the approach. At about 100 feet; the plane experienced a downdraft; causing the aircraft to sink. I advised the FO to increase power and adjust pitch to correct for the downdraft. While doing so; we received two aural sink rates"; which were quickly extinguished by the FO's corrective action. I elected to not immediately call for a go around; as the situation was already being resolved prior to receiving the warnings. However; due to the sink rate warnings; added power; and increased pitch; the plane began a float; in which the FO correctly decided to announce and initiate a go around.The FO began a balked landing and began a slight pitch up; but it was not sufficient for the added thrust; as we began to accelerate quickly. I advised them to continue the upward pitch; but ultimately had to help on the controls. Together; we continued the climb and executed the go-around on profile. During the climb out; I noticed that the thrust levers were in TOGA and not APR. We decided that I would take the controls for the next approach; as the FO was feeling a bit rattled from the sudden go around. We continued the next approach and landed uneventfully. We experienced the same downdraft condition on the second approach; but corrected for it and used it as an excellent learning opportunity for aircraft handling in gusty conditions.I believe that this situation offered a great learning opportunity for both myself and the FO. I learned that my decision making in low altitude/time sensitive situations could use some work; as I probably should have just called for the go around at the first signs of the destabilized approach. I also should have noticed that APR thrust was not used sooner; rather than the TOGA power go around due to our proximity to the runway; although it did not seem to impact our ability to get away from the ground quickly. Following this event; the FO and I were able to have a constructive discussion on what took place and what we both could have done better. I believe that this event; although not desirable; ultimately created two safer pilots as a result of this teachable moment for the importance of decision making as well as flying in various weather conditions."
Second reporter narrative
We were cleared for the visual Runway 6 into ILM. We backed it up with the ILS. The approach was stable but bumpy until we were around 100 feet and encountered a downdraft. The Captain was giving me verbal cues to help me correct but we received an aural sink rate. I was able to correct the sink but began floating and felt uncomfortable continuing the landing so we executed a balked landing. I did get overwhelmed with the speed at which everything happened so the Captain came on controls with me to ensure proper pitch and airspeed control. We realized I had not pushed the power all the way up to max thrust. I was overwhelmed and oversaturated with the go around so the Captain offered to take over PF (pilot flying). He executed the approach and landing with no issues; however we did experience the downdraft again but just properly anticipated and corrected.This situation had a lot of key learning points for me. First; as a new FO; my experience in the jet is extremely limited so having the opportunity to see how to handle and fly in downdrafts or more gusty or bumpy conditions was extremely helpful. I was pleased with my decision to go around because I feel it was the safest and most conservative choice; however it also made me realize the importance of reviewing and practicing go around/balked landings to keep muscle memory and ensure it is implemented quickly and properly. I will review and practice profiles of those as well as less used profiles so I do not get overwhelmed or behind.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.