A Jump Air ATR 72 descended below published minima during an approach to Guernsey on 12 August 2024.
Jump Air flight GR651, an ATR 72 conducting a scheduled service from Southampton, was conducting an approach to Guernsey Airport (GCI) in instrument conditions.
Jump Air GR651 Southampton-Guernsey
Prior to the approach, the aircraft entered a holding procedure for approximately 45 minutes, due to conditions of fog below the approach minimum altitude.
The flight then attempted an instrument approach to RWY27 Guernsey Airport. During the approach, flight crew descended the aircraft below the published minimum altitude for the approach procedure.
A missed approach was subsequently conducted with the aircraft at approximately 56 feet AGL (above ground level).
The aircraft was then climbed to minimum safe altitude during the missed approach procedure. Flight crew then conducted a return to the origin airport, Southampton Airport (SOU).
The UK AAIB confirmed that the aircraft had descended to 56 feet AGL during the missed approach procedure, in violation of the published minima for the procedure. As a result, a serious incident was recorded and will be investigated by authorities.
Flight Details
Flight data shows that flight GR651 was being operated by the carrier on behalf of Aurigny Air Services. The flight departed Southampton Airport at 0826 local time on 12 August.
The aircraft was climbed to flight level FL120 (12,000 feet) for the crossing to the Channel Islands. Descent was conducted normally, and the aircraft subsequently entered a holding procedure due to the arrival weather conditions.
The return to Southampton was then conducted at FL110 following the missed approach at Guernsey Airport.
The aircraft conducting the GR651 service from Southampton was an ATR 72, registered LY-JUP. This is a 17.4-year-old twin turboprop aircraft belonging to the carrier Jump Air.
It has been an operational service with the airline since January 2022. The aircraft has passed through a series of operators since its initial delivery from the factory in April 2007.
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