Originally Posted by
Centaurus
https://aviation-safety.net/database...?id=20060615-0
Final Report:
https://assets.publishing.service.go...08__OO-TND.pdf
Comment:
Compare the following anecdotal report with the autopilot disconnect major accident above.
Middle East operator A330 incident which went unreported in 2017. This operator's SOP requires autopilot to remain engaged until 300 ft AGL on all visual approaches.
On this particular occasion, the PF under line training disengaged AP at 1000 ft. The captain remonstrated with the PF in no uncertain terms that SOP required the AP disconnect should be at 300 ft not 1000 ft.
Captain then immediately re-engaged AP and shortly after permitted PF to disengage AP again as aircraft passed through 300 AGL. Normal landing then made. Blind adherence to SOP to satisfy a QAR read-out? The mind boggles.
I would also want to quiz ATC on the decision of transmitting a company message at such a critical time. Surely not the best choice. Being well familiar with this incident, it makes it all the worse as the company message contained a suggestion that that the crew could/should divert yet again. Nonetheless the skippers got the boot. my final judgement on this one remains open.....