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A B737NG being vectored for an ILS; failed to level at 3;000 ft until established; as cleared. When a low altitude alert sounded the approach controller; no longer able to contact the flight; promptly called the tower who advised they had done; so and directed a go-around as the flight was passing 1;400-1;600 ft MSL (400-600 ft AGL) and continuing their descent while still one mile outside the FAF/glideslope intercept altitude of 2;900 ft MSL. Difficulty in utilizing a company directed memory aid intended to insure proper autoflight configuration and a resulting improperly set altitude alert at field elevation +100 ft likely contributed.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1110487 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201308 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.Airport |
| State Reference | US |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Landing Final Approach |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | FMS/FMC |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Pilot Flying First Officer |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Flight Instructor Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 155 Flight Crew Total 8500 Flight Crew Type 452 |
| Person 2 | |
| Function | Captain Pilot Not Flying |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | ATC Issue All Types Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT |
Narrative:
During preflight the FMS would not accept initialization from the ACARS; requiring me to manually enter all data. The route; however; did autoload. Strange equipment notifications [enroute] prompted a call to dispatch concerning whether or not the aircraft was reporting its position; it wasn't. I now had a slight doubtful feeling concerning system functionality. ZZZ airport was reporting approximately 400/1 mist/drizzle. We briefed ILS prm xl approach. All checklists were accomplished well in advance of approach and we were descending in level change mode when we were cleared for the ILS. I tried to accomplish the [company directed mental reminder procedure or 'mnemonic'] 'down to the line' (to assure appropriate lateral/altitude/vertical navigation mode/speed intervention configurations) but we were below 4;000 ft and when I tried to do so this VNAV didn't engage. We both looked at the approach and noted that VNAV wouldn't work since the intermediate fix (prior to zzzzz intersection) had an altitude of 4;000 ft which we were already below. I then selected app; we both acknowledged approach mode and I saw the white glideslope armed [indication]; we had previously intercepted the localizer [to satisfy] the 'lateral nav' portion of the mnemonic procedure. Approaching zzzzz intersection something didn't feel right and I started re-checking/cross checking the MCP when the 'low altitude' alert was issued by ATC. We accomplished a missed approach at this point. The next approach went just fine.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: A B737NG being vectored for an ILS; failed to level at 3;000 FT until established; as cleared. When a low altitude alert sounded the Approach Controller; no longer able to contact the flight; promptly called the Tower who advised they had done; so and directed a go-around as the flight was passing 1;400-1;600 FT MSL (400-600 FT AGL) and continuing their descent while still one mile outside the FAF/glideslope intercept altitude of 2;900 FT MSL. Difficulty in utilizing a company directed memory aid intended to insure proper autoflight configuration and a resulting improperly set altitude alert at field elevation +100 FT likely contributed.
Narrative: During preflight the FMS would not accept initialization from the ACARS; requiring me to manually enter all data. The route; however; did autoload. Strange equipment notifications [enroute] prompted a call to Dispatch concerning whether or not the aircraft was reporting its position; it wasn't. I now had a slight doubtful feeling concerning system functionality. ZZZ Airport was reporting approximately 400/1 mist/drizzle. We briefed ILS PRM XL approach. All checklists were accomplished well in advance of approach and we were descending in level change mode when we were cleared for the ILS. I tried to accomplish the [company directed mental reminder procedure or 'mnemonic'] 'down to the line' (to assure appropriate Lateral/Altitude/Vertical Navigation Mode/Speed intervention configurations) but we were below 4;000 FT and when I tried to do so this VNAV didn't engage. We both looked at the approach and noted that VNAV wouldn't work since the intermediate fix (prior to ZZZZZ Intersection) had an altitude of 4;000 FT which we were already below. I then selected APP; we both acknowledged approach mode and I saw the white glideslope armed [indication]; we had previously intercepted the LOC [to satisfy] the 'Lateral Nav' portion of the mnemonic procedure. Approaching ZZZZZ Intersection something didn't feel right and I started re-checking/cross checking the MCP when the 'LOW Altitude' alert was issued by ATC. We accomplished a missed approach at this point. The next approach went just fine.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.