B737-700 flight crew experienced a terrain warning during a night visual approach to Runway 26 at ABQ.
Synopsis
B737-700 flight crew experienced a terrain warning during a night visual approach to Runway 26 at ABQ.
Narrative
We were vectored for a left downwind and were cleared for the visual approach to Runway 26. We were very familiar with the terrain and threats during a 26 approach to ABQ. We were cleared for the approach to follow [another carrier] on final. I built the runway with a five-mile extension to intercept five miles at 1;500 FT above the ground. As I was descending through 7;500; around 7;000; we received the 'Caution Terrain' warning. I immediately disconnected the autopilot and climbed to 7;500; and the warning ceased. We continued the approach uneventfully.Before I descended from 7;500; I looked at the terrain on my MFD and only saw light green terrain. I knew there was a large mountain in our vicinity; but thought we were clear of the terrain before I descended. I performed a turning descent which set off the 'Terrain Caution' warning. I responded immediately to it. I should have stayed at 7;500 and configured for landing and not descended from our final approach altitude until I was within ten degrees of our approach centerline. This would have avoided the warning. I would also request a right downwind if possible when arriving from the west at night due to the terrain positioned just left of the centerline on Runway 26.
Second reporter narrative
Stay at altitude; configure earlier; and wait until on the final to begin the descent. We were aware of and discussed terrain. The surprise is how quickly it went from green on the MFD to a terrain caution with such little descent rate. In reality the system worked as advertised. Right downwind?
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.