MD11, vicinity East Midlands UK, 2005
MD11, vicinity East Midlands UK, 2005
Summary
On 3 December 2005, the crew of a MD-11 freighter failed to set the (very low) QNH for a night approach, due to distraction, and as a result descended well below the cleared altitude given by ATC for the intercept heading for the ILS at Nottingham East Midlands airport, UK.
Event Details
When
03/12/2005
Day/Night
Night
Flight Conditions
On Ground - Normal Visibility
Flight Details
Aircraft
Operator
Type of Flight
Public Transport (Cargo)
Flight Origin
Intended Destination
Take-off Commenced
Yes
Flight Airborne
Yes
Flight Completed
Yes
Phase of Flight
Descent
Location
Location - Airport
Airport
General
Tag(s)
Extra flight crew (no training),
Non Precision Approach,
Altimeter Setting Error
HF
Tag(s)
Data use error,
Distraction,
Ineffective Monitoring
Outcome
Damage or injury
No
Non-aircraft damage
No
Non-occupant Casualties
No
Off Airport Landing
No
Ditching
No
Causal Factor Group(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Operation
Safety Recommendation(s)
Group(s)
None Made
Investigation Type
Type
Independent
Description
On 3 December 2005, the crew of a MD-11 freighter failed to set the (very low) Altimeter Pressure Settings for a night approach, due to distraction, and as a result descended well below the cleared altitude given by ATC for the intercept heading for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Nottingham East Midlands airport, UK.
Synopsis
The following is the Synopsis from the UK AAIB report:
"The incident occurred during an approach to Nottingham East Midlands Airport when the crew were distracted and omitted to set the arrival QNH of 974 mb on any of the three altimeters despite having acknowledged the setting to ATC. When the crew levelled at 2000 ft, ATC questioned the aircraft’s pressure setting because the radar display indicated that the aircraft was much lower than cleared. At the time, the crew were visual with the approach lights."
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Further Reading
- For further information, see the full AAIB Report
