Narrative:

After configuring for a flaps 30 landing on my hand flown; visual approach to runway 22L at bos; we experienced what I believe was a strong gust. This occurred just inside the final approach fix. The indicated airspeed rapidly increased and exceeded the flaps 30 placard speed of 175 kts. (The approach report from ACARS; retrieved upon arrival at the gate; indicated we reached 176 kts). The flap load relief system activated and automatically retracted the flaps to 25. This is the first time I've experienced this aspect of the flap protection system and my first reaction was that I'd failed to properly configure the flaps. The first officer was quick to analyze what had just happened and when we had slowed sufficiently; we were able to reset the flaps to 30. The final flap setting; however; occurred just below 1;000 ft. The first officer stated that we were not stable and I initiated a go-around. The first officer backed me up on ensuring all the steps for the go-around were conducted in the proper sequence. We notified tower and we were vectored around for another visual approach and landed without incident. The first officer and I discussed the experience when we got to the gate. Though we don't like to do go-arounds; we were both satisfied that we did the right thing. I wrote up the flap over-speed in the aml and spoke with maintenance. A contributing factor may have been a very light landing weight; approximately 121;000 lbs. I can't praise the first officer's situational awareness and professionalism enough. He made sure that all procedures were followed correctly and that all checklists were completed. As for me; I'll need to be more vigilant about airspeed control. I'll also reinforce the necessity to be prepared for a go-around on every approach--not just talk about it.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B737-800 flight crew reported executing a go-around from their approach to BOS after a wind gust or wake encounter caused a momentary overspeed.

Narrative: After configuring for a flaps 30 landing on my hand flown; visual approach to Runway 22L at BOS; we experienced what I believe was a strong gust. This occurred just inside the final approach fix. The indicated airspeed rapidly increased and exceeded the flaps 30 placard speed of 175 kts. (The approach report from ACARS; retrieved upon arrival at the gate; indicated we reached 176 kts). The flap load relief system activated and automatically retracted the flaps to 25. This is the first time I've experienced this aspect of the flap protection system and my first reaction was that I'd failed to properly configure the flaps. The First Officer was quick to analyze what had just happened and when we had slowed sufficiently; we were able to reset the flaps to 30. The final flap setting; however; occurred just below 1;000 ft. The First Officer stated that we were not stable and I initiated a go-around. The First Officer backed me up on ensuring all the steps for the go-around were conducted in the proper sequence. We notified Tower and we were vectored around for another visual approach and landed without incident. The First Officer and I discussed the experience when we got to the gate. Though we don't like to do go-arounds; we were both satisfied that we did the right thing. I wrote up the flap over-speed in the AML and spoke with maintenance. A contributing factor may have been a very light landing weight; approximately 121;000 lbs. I can't praise the First Officer's situational awareness and professionalism enough. He made sure that all procedures were followed correctly and that all checklists were completed. As for me; I'll need to be more vigilant about airspeed control. I'll also reinforce the necessity to be prepared for a go-around on every approach--not just talk about it.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site 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.