Corporate jet First Officer reported receiving a GPWS warning on approach to SMO even though they were accurately flying the approach.

Date: 2025-10 · Aircraft: Small Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng · Phase: approach

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-less-severe|inflight-event-encounter-cftt-cfit|inflight-event-encounter-unstabilized-approach

Synopsis

Corporate jet First Officer reported receiving a GPWS warning on approach to SMO even though they were accurately flying the approach.

Narrative

I was the PF on the morning of Day 0. We were cleared for the RNAV 21 into SMO. It was VMC. In typical fashion we were left high and I hustled down to get the vertical profile and stabilize early considering the 3.5° glide path to ensure I was stable and on speed with the short runway. The GP captured about a mile or two ahead of MIPTE and we were roughly 1600 feet AGL. The AP was on; the approach was active with FMS and GP (Guidance Panel) coupled; and the deviance was almost nonexistent. We were fully configured and the speed was REF +10; maybe a few knots faster. As we approached Beverly Hills with its tall buildings we got a GPWS caution. Surprised I was trying to figure out my error; I've flown this approach into SMO many times without a GPWS event. I was perfectly on the approach and on speed. Looking at my synthetic vision it appeared to flag the tallest building to my right. About as we passed the buildings the GPWS warning sounded. I disconnected the autopilot and added a little power; floating a little (the highest I got was one dot above the GP) and the warning immediately disappeared. We elected to continue; reaching the stable gate having met the parameters and landing without issues.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.