B737 flight crew reports descending inadvertently below company circling minimums during the circle [to land] maneuver without the aircraft being fully configured. The ceiling encountered was at minimums and much lower than that reported by ATIS. A normal landing ensues.
Synopsis
B737 flight crew reports descending inadvertently below company circling minimums during the circle [to land] maneuver without the aircraft being fully configured. The ceiling encountered was at minimums and much lower than that reported by ATIS. A normal landing ensues.
Narrative
The ATIS for MDW was: [wind] 190 at 16G29 KTS; visibility 10 SM; 2;000 FT scattered 3;500 FT overcast; 16/12 degrees; [altimeter] 29.41; 'ILS 31C circle-to-land 22L;' [and] runway reported dry. We expected and briefed a fairly typical approach for MDW (ILS 31C circle-to-land 22L). We were established on the localizer and glideslope with the autopilot and auto-throttles engaged. We broke out just prior to the published circling minimums (1;620 FT). We had expected to circle much sooner (as per the ATIS) and were caught off guard. After passing the RUNTS intersection; the Tower Controller had advised that ATIS F was now current; but provided only the new altimeter setting. In my approach briefing earlier; I had explained that I would initiate the circling maneuver at flaps 5 at 1;500 FT AGL (2;100 FT MSL) unless requested otherwise by ATC. As we broke out; rain was falling. As I began the right turn to enter a left downwind; I commented that the weather was obviously much worse than expected; although the weather to the east and north appeared better (better visibility and higher ceiling). At this point; I looked down and noticed that I had allowed the aircraft to descend to approximately 1;400 FT MSL (as best as I can remember) at flaps 5. Our company has very strict and very clear guidelines concerning this. The aircraft must be fully configured for landing below 1;000 FT AGL; [but] we were not. I immediately applied power to climb back up to 1;000 FT AGL and configured the aircraft for landing. The remainder of the visual circling maneuver and landing were uneventful. My First Officer and I discussed and debriefed this approach while parked at the gate prior to the next flight.1) Better situational awareness on my part.2) Better approach briefing on my part; to include contingency plans if we do not break out on the approach at the expected location and altitude.3) The aircraft we flew was not equipped with a HUD. Without exception; I use the HUD from takeoff to exiting the runway after landing. I admitted to my First Officer prior to the first leg on this day that I felt 'naked' without it. The HUD is a great tool; especially for this sort of transition from an instrument approach to a visual circling maneuver. All the information is right there; whereas now I had to look down for airspeed; altitude; etc.4) I will make it a point to share this story with all my First Officers in the future when this particular approach is in effect at MDW.
Second reporter narrative
Descended below 1;000 FT AGL while not in landing configuration. [Suggest] better callout by non-flying pilot.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.