DH8D, vicinity Belfast City UK, 2018

DH8D, vicinity Belfast City UK, 2018

Summary

On 11 January 2018, a Bombardier DHC8-400 departed Belfast City with incorrectly-set Flight Director (FD) modes and the Autopilot was then engaged without either pilot noticing that the aircraft was not being flown in accordance with the FD command bar or that the aircraft had then begun to descend. The rate of descent increased unnoticed and reached 4,300 fpm before recovery from a 928 feet minimum height after EGPWS 'DON'T SINK' and 'PULL UP' annunciations. The Investigation found that no target altitude had been entered and noted failure to follow normal operating procedures including on the use of checklists.

Description

On 11 January 2018, a Bombardier DHC8-400 (G-ECOE) being operated by Flybe on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Belfast City to Glasgow in day IMC was observed by ATC radar to begin descending from 1500 feet after initially climbing as cleared towards 3000 feet after takeoff. A high rate of descent developed but recovery followed an EGPWS PULL UP Warning and the flight proceeded to destination without further event.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the UK AAIB. Relevant data were obtained from the FDR and CVR and from the two pilots involved. Available FDR parameters included the engagement status of the AP and of the available FD modes but since FDR data were only available once the anti collision beacons were selected on prior to engine start, it was not possible to confirm the crew's account of pre-start FD mode selection.

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