B737NG makes two go-arounds due to weather and a GPWS Terrain warning on the VOR Runway 15 approach to BDL. Divert in turbulent conditions to another airport from where the flight attendants refuse to continue.

2009-04 · NASA ASRS report 832380

Date: 2009-04 · Aircraft: B737-700 · Phase: landing

Anomalies: inflight-event-encounter-cftt-cfit

Synopsis

B737NG makes two go-arounds due to weather and a GPWS Terrain warning on the VOR Runway 15 approach to BDL. Divert in turbulent conditions to another airport from where the flight attendants refuse to continue.

Narrative

Weather at BDL was called at 1;700 FT and 5 SM in light rain. We thoroughly briefed the VOR knowing the weather could be a factor because of the high MDA at BDL due to the terrain to the northwest of the field. We attempted 1 approach and never broke out of the weather and executed a missed approach. The ATIS was still calling good weather and the previous and subsequent flights were successful in their VORs to Runway 15. We got short vectors for 1 more VOR to Runway 15. During this approach; we got visual contact with the runway right at the calculated VDP. I disengaged the autopilot and began a descent to the runway. Just after starting down from the MDA; we received a Terrain Caution and executed a go-around. We diverted to PVD and landed there after an uneventful; but bumpy ride. The Flight Attendants approached the Captain; and then me and voiced their distress over the 2 missed approaches and the rough ride during the divert to PVD. They decided they could not go on; contacted Scheduling (I presume) and were replaced by another crew. The flight back to BDL was uneventful. Landed after an ILS to Runway 33. Winds from the east at about 8 KTS. Early on; when discussing the VOR to Runway 15; we contacted dispatch with our concern and they told us Tower could offer us the ILS to Runway 33 if the weather became a problem. Tower did; in fact; offer us the ILS to Runway 33 after our first missed approach; but we were already on the downwind for Runway 15. In retrospect and with winds permitting; having the field set up for the ILS to Runway 33 might have yielded better results.

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

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