Description

On 31 May 2013, a Boeing 737-800 was radar-vectored onto the ILS LOC at Eindhoven whilst still above the GS after the aircraft was not adequately configured for descent. Soon afterwards, with AP and A/T engaged and APP mode selected, it pitched up rapidly after capturing the GS false upper lobe. As pitch increased to 24º with the AP still engaged after a go-around call, the stick shaker activated. Crew intervention began with pitch at 26.5º and a minimum speed of 97.5KIAS was reached soon afterwards. Recovery to controlled flight was achieved and a second approach was uneventful.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the Dutch Safety Board. The event was not correctly reported by ATC or by the crew to their Operator and this delayed commencement of the Investigation, until Ryanair reported it after becoming aware as the result of a routine review of QAR data 4 days later. The relevant FDR and 2 hour CVR data from the incident aircraft were both overwritten but the full QAR data was still available and was provided by the Operator upon request.