AAIB investigation to Airbus A321, YL-LCQ
Aircraft observed to be low on final approach, London Stansted Airport, 22 July 2019.
Summary
: London Stansted Airport (STN) was operating with a displaced threshold on Runway 22 (RW22) while repairs were carried out at the normal threshold. RW22 ILS was unavailable during the works period. A revised RNAV approach (RNAV22C), which was steeper and based on the displaced threshold, had been promulgated for RW22. YL-LCQ was observed to be lower than expected during its approach and over the works area.
The pilots of YL-LCQ had not realised that a revised approach was required and flew the standard RNAV arrival. Radar data indicated that the aircraft was low over the works area and touched down close to the displaced threshold. Temporary approach plates were available to the pilots in their electronic flight bags (EFB), but the stated work-in-progress (WIP) active periods on the temporary airfield chart were incorrect. ATC had made repeated references to the displaced threshold and the RNAV22C arrival during the period when YL-LCQ was on the terminal controller’s frequency.
After the incident, the operator highlighted the WIP implications to all their pilots operating from STN. The chart manufacturer reviewed their processes to address the issues which had resulted in incomplete information being presented on the temporary airfield chart.
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