Unstable approach

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An unstable approach is an approach during which an aircraft does not maintain certain essential flight parameters within reasonable limits. [1] [2] This usually includes at least one of the following variables stable: speed, descent rate, vertical/lateral flight path and in landing configuration, or receive a landing clearance by a certain altitude. Unstabilized approaches account for most approach and landing accidents. For this reason, an approach should be stabilized by 1,000 feet (305 m) above runway altitude. Otherwise, a go-around should be executed by the pilot.

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For example, the 2016 Magdalen Islands Mitsubishi MU-2 crash was blamed on an unstabilized approach. [3]

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References

  1. Government of Canada, Transportation Safety Board of Canada (31 October 2016). "Unstable approaches - Watchlist 2016 - Transportation Safety Board of Canada". www.tsb.gc.ca.
  2. "Unstable approach". www.aopa.org. 16 August 2016.
  3. TSB identifies unstable approach as key factor in 2016 fatal accident of Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec