A flight crew approaching PHF briefed the ILS Runway 7 but a new ATIS advised LOC/DME Runway 20. During a rushed approach brief; the crew failed to set the step down altitude for ROBOY and descended to the MDA early.
Synopsis
A flight crew approaching PHF briefed the ILS Runway 7 but a new ATIS advised LOC/DME Runway 20. During a rushed approach brief; the crew failed to set the step down altitude for ROBOY and descended to the MDA early.
Narrative
While on Localizer DME 20 approach into KPHF; descended to MDA altitude of 500 FT prior to ROBOY; which specified an altitude of 760 FT. Newport News Tower issued a low altitude alert. We remained at 500 FT with no ground proximity warnings with the airport environment in sight and made a normal landing. Air traffic control advised us of a low altitude condition. Upon reviewing the approach procedure after landing; we determined that a critical step down fix had been missed. While en route to Newport News; the ATIS advised to expect the ILS to runway 7. The ILS 7 was briefed and programmed into the FMS. Just prior to contacting Norfolk Approach; a new ATIS was received which advised to expect the Localizer to 20. The new approach was quickly located and programmed while receiving vectors to the final approach course. The ROBOY fix was not included on the FMS course depiction and was inadvertently missed during the approach brief. The final vector and clearance to execute the Localizer DME approach to 20 was received nearly at the final approach fix; which required us to rapidly configure the aircraft. We made a normal descent from 1;700 FT at the FAF to the MDA of 500 FT. (420 adjusted) Upon arrival at the MDA; Newport News Tower issued a low altitude alert; which we heeded by visually examining the terrain and the depiction on the EGPWS. The airport environment and runway were in sight at the time of the alert and a normal landing was accomplished. After arriving at the gate; we re-checked the approach and determined that we had inadvertently missed the step down fix of ROBOY. Taking more time to brief an approach that is suddenly thrust upon us; by reviewing the procedure more thoroughly and requesting delay vectors if necessary to accomplish it.
Second reporter narrative
The event occurred due to the fact that the approach clearance changed at the last minute and our final vector was given just prior to the final approach fix. Through these events we missed the step down fix prior to the MDA. This could have been avoided had we been given more time after the change of the approach clearance to allow for more approach planning; understanding and situational awareness. Also the final approach vector should have intercepted the course well prior to the final approach fix not at it.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.