Description

On 16 July 2020, an Antonov AN26B (UR-CQD) being operated by Vulkan Air on a non scheduled international cargo flight from an unrecorded airport to Birmingham which was being used for a final line check made two consecutive non-precision approaches to runway 33 at night and in VMC for the final stages of both approaches, neither of which were flown in accordance with the corresponding procedure. Both were discontinued on ATC instructions before a third ILS approach to runway 15 was then completed normally. 

Investigation

A Serious Incident Investigation was carried out by the UK AAIB based on information provided by the flight crew involved, the aircraft operator and ATC. It was noted that the 44 year-old trainee Captain occupying the left hand seat had a total of 2,512 hours flying experience which included 624 hours on type and was undergoing a Final Line Check to qualify as a Captain on type. Corresponding experience details in respect of the supervising Training Captain, who was also a “senior manager” at the operator, were not recorded. 

What Happened

It was established that, with the trainee Captain acting as PF, the aircraft was cleared to descend to 2,000 feet QNH and when 12 nm from touchdown was established on the LOC with clearance to descend further with the procedure (the UK AIP version of which is depicted in the illustration below).