It looks like a routine ILS approach as the crew of a Boeing Business Jet descends through 500 feet toward the runway on a gray, rainy day. On reaching minimums at around 200 feet, the airplane is on glidepath and a landing appears certain as the rabbit lights and runway are clearly visible straight ahead. Then something unexpected happens. Have a look:
Video: Runway Disappears after Minimums
Key Takeaways:
- A Boeing Business Jet on a Cat I ILS approach lost visual contact with the runway due to heavy rain shortly after passing decision height.
- The captain correctly initiated a textbook go-around at a very low altitude, estimated around 100 feet.
- The incident highlights the critical and correct decision to go missed when visual references are lost, even past the official "decision" height.
- It also underscores the limitations of enhanced-vision systems (EVS) in solid cloud and rain under current regulations, despite proposed changes.
See a mistake? Contact us.
