B738, vicinity Christchurch New Zealand, 2011

B738, vicinity Christchurch New Zealand, 2011

Summary

On 29 October 2011, a Boeing 737-800 on approach to Christchurch during the 68 year-old aircraft commander's annual route check as 'Pilot Flying' continued significantly below the applicable ILS minima without any intervention by the other pilots present before the approach lights became visible and an uneventful touchdown occurred. The Investigation concluded that the commander had compromised the safety of the flight but found no evidence to suggest that age was a factor in his performance. A Safety Recommendation was made to the Regulator concerning the importance of effective management of pilot check flights.

Description

On 29 October 2011, a Boeing 737-800 (ZK-ZGH) being operated by Air New Zealand on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Auckland to Christchurch as NZ501 continued its approach at destination significantly below the prescribed approach minima in day IMC without any visual reference before subsequently completing an uneventful touchdown. The flight was part of an annual line/route check for the aircraft Captain.

Investigation

The event was notified to the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) by Air New Zealand two days later and after making preliminary inquiries, it was decided to open an Investigation. ATC radio and radar recordings for the approach were obtained but aircraft flight recorder data was not used.

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