Sounds like the AP logic/math needs to be reviewed.
Problem: Test flight OK, except autoland very rough. Solution: Autoland not installed on this aircraft.
Problem: Something loose in cockpit. Solution: Something tightened in cockpit.
Problem: Dead bugs on windshield. Solution: Live bugs on backorder.
Problem: Number 3 engine missing. Solution: Engine found on right wing after brief search.
Problem: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200-fpm descent. Solution: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
Problem: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear. Solution: Evidence removed.
Problem: DME volume unbelievably loud. Solution: Volume set to more believable level.
Problem: Noise coming from #2 engine. Sounds like man with little hammer. Solution: Took little hammer away from man in #2 engine.
Problem: Whining noise coming from #2 engine compartment. Solution: Returned little hammer to man in #2 engine.
Problem: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick. Solution: That’s what they are there for!
Problem: IFF inoperative. Solution: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.
Problem: Suspected crack in windscreen. Solution: Suspect you’re right.
Problem: Aircraft handles funny. Solution: Aircraft warned to “Straighten up, Fly right, and Be Serious.”
Problem: Unfamiliar noise coming from #2 engine. Solution: Engine run for four hours. Noise now familiar.
Problem: Mouse in cockpit. Solution: Cat installed.
Don’t any of these ATR rates fly their approaches anymore?
There goes my "windshear" theory replaced with "autopilot engaged, pilots brain disengaged" theory. between this and asiana what's up with otherwise smart people making mind numbingly stupid mistakes with hundreds of millions of dollars of equipment (and peoples lives)?
CC
Asian pilots?
The new 777s cockpits are so small, they were designed for only one pilot and a dog. The dog is there to bite the pilot if he touches anything.
I know a CAT-III approach it ain't, but cannot the FMC be setup for a profile decent(without glideslope)to the final approach fix(BASKN/4.7nm from MAP)...and on this(LOC RWY 18)approach IMTOY(1380/2NM from MAP)?
At 2nm out and final approach speed...what's that take...about 70-80 seconds?
Whats the rules for this approach?
I never trust auto pilot on final, things can happen too quickly.
I can hardly wait until Detroit sells us cars with AutoDrive!
(a) Selecting an RNAV (GPS) Non precision approach with a steeper non-standard angle of descent (3.24 degs inside the MDA)--
(b) To the shortest runway: RWY 18 is 7099' vs. RWY 24 is 10801'
(c) At a designated "special airport" (due to surrounding terrain)
(d) With high approach minimums 600' 1 & 1/2 miles
... and no approach lights!
(e) In the wee dark hours (crew duty period unknown)
(f) QUITE LIKELY: bending the rules (and below approach minimums!)
Now we know that the AFCS was engaged below the MDA (minimum descent altitude)
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MUCH BETTER SET-UP FOR A BIG JET IN THE DARK HOURS OF THE MORNING...
(a) Select/request ILS RWY 24 --
Fully coupled-autopilot approach to an actual external ILS system --
(...instead of internal computer magic based on GPS data for RWY 18)...
(b)To the longest runway...nearly 11,000 long...
(c) Still a designated "special airport" -- and coupled approach minimums reflect those slightly higher minimums...
(d) Lower approach minimums: 300' and 3/4 mile
Added bonus... RWY 24 has a full approach light system
(RWY 18 does NOT HAVE approach lights... REIL only)
(e) RWY 24 ILS has a more common (shallow) glide slope angle for coupled approaches...
(f) For a fully coupled ILS approach -- autopilot use i approved all the way to approach minimums-- and for a missed approach... huge advantage.
***********
TRUE STORY:
The grizzled, chicken-neck, gravel-voiced captain leaned back to call for the approach checklist late one night...
... after a particularly thorough briefing for descent and instrument arrival into LAX
(nonstop from the east coast)
He said to the young flight engineer...
Son... if you wanna win every time...
....stack the deck in your favor...
...every time.
When the young engineer passed thru the right seat for a few ears...
... and finally won his captain's stripes & scrambled eggs...
He used that advice on every flight...
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Just my $.02...
Truly sorry these pilots died in the crash...
This will end up being pilot error. You don’t fly a functioning plane into the ground without it being pilot error.
CFIH - controlled flight into hill.