Narrative:

The sic was the pilot flying and the PIC was the pilot not flying. Upon arrival into the airport terminal area; the ATIS report indicated the ceiling to be 200 ft overcast and 1/2 mile visibility; below forecast but still above minimums. Weather at the alternate airport was also checked and was reported to above approach minimums. Approach control began vectoring the aircraft for the ILS 22. Upon localizer course intercept; ATC advised that the weather had deteriorated to 200 ft overcast and RVR 2;000 ft. Conditions were still above applicable approach minimums of RVR 1;800 ft so the aircraft continued inbound. Approximately 4 miles from the final approach fix; ATC turned the aircraft off the localizer due to loss of traffic separation and advised that the aircraft was now number three for the airport. Due to the lower than expected conditions and the possibility of a missed approach; the PIC re-checked the weather and discovered that the filed alternate had fallen below minimums. Reports were unavailable at other nearby airports due to the aircraft's low altitude and poor reception. During the process of being re-vectored for the approach; the right side thrust reverser 'unlock' light illuminated; accompanied by the master warning flasher. The PIC immediately pushed the 'stow' switch and the sic began to slow the aircraft. The emergency checklist was completed and it was determined that the reverser appeared to be secure. The aircraft was re-vectored onto final and cleared for the approach approximately 12 miles from the airport. Both of the preceding aircraft had landed safely. Prior to the final approach fix; ATC indicated that the weather was now 200 ft and RVR 1;600 ft'. Because the conditions at the airport and the neighboring airports were now below minimums; and because the aircraft was disabled; the PIC determined that it was necessary to declare an emergency and continue for landing. Although the fuel supply was sufficient for a possible diversion (approximately 1.5 hours remaining); the crew was concerned about further worsening of the conditions in the area and felt the best option was to get the aircraft safely on the ground. ATC was advised of the situation and cleared the aircraft for landing. The procedure was flown to minimums; at which time the approach lights became visible. The pilot flying continued to 100 ft; where the runway threshold was identified and the aircraft was landed without incidence.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: BE400 flight crew reports landing with RVR below published minimums after declaring an emergency due to a reverser unlock light and deteriorating weather in the area.

Narrative: The SIC was the pilot flying and the PIC was the pilot not flying. Upon arrival into the airport terminal area; the ATIS report indicated the ceiling to be 200 FT overcast and 1/2 mile visibility; below forecast but still above minimums. Weather at the alternate airport was also checked and was reported to above approach minimums. Approach Control began vectoring the aircraft for the ILS 22. Upon localizer course intercept; ATC advised that the weather had deteriorated to 200 ft overcast and RVR 2;000 FT. Conditions were still above applicable approach minimums of RVR 1;800 FT so the aircraft continued inbound. Approximately 4 miles from the final approach fix; ATC turned the aircraft off the localizer due to loss of traffic separation and advised that the aircraft was now number three for the airport. Due to the lower than expected conditions and the possibility of a missed approach; the PIC re-checked the weather and discovered that the filed alternate had fallen below minimums. Reports were unavailable at other nearby airports due to the aircraft's low altitude and poor reception. During the process of being re-vectored for the approach; the right side thrust reverser 'unlock' light illuminated; accompanied by the master warning flasher. The PIC immediately pushed the 'stow' switch and the SIC began to slow the aircraft. The emergency checklist was completed and it was determined that the reverser appeared to be secure. The aircraft was re-vectored onto final and cleared for the approach approximately 12 miles from the airport. Both of the preceding aircraft had landed safely. Prior to the final approach fix; ATC indicated that the weather was now 200 FT and RVR 1;600 FT'. Because the conditions at the airport and the neighboring airports were now below minimums; and because the aircraft was disabled; the PIC determined that it was necessary to declare an emergency and continue for landing. Although the fuel supply was sufficient for a possible diversion (approximately 1.5 hours remaining); the crew was concerned about further worsening of the conditions in the area and felt the best option was to get the aircraft safely on the ground. ATC was advised of the situation and cleared the aircraft for landing. The procedure was flown to minimums; at which time the approach lights became visible. The pilot flying continued to 100 FT; where the runway threshold was identified and the aircraft was landed without incidence.

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.