Originally Posted by
BFSGrad
I think the point here is that, had the 5342 pilots followed PSA procedures (i.e., not accepting an approach that wasn’t previously briefed), they would have refused the circle 33 offer by ATC, thereby avoiding the accident.
Reviewing the 5342 CVR, runway 33 was not included in the CA/PF’s approach briefing about 35 minutes prior to the expected landing time. The CA/PF did do an abbreviated briefing for 33 after the circle 33 option was accepted.
I guess the question is what is the alternative world. The pilots could also have followed PSA procedures by briefing both approaches. Which seems to be the correct thing to do if they were willing to accept the alternative approach. In which case it seems likely that the crash would still have occurred in just about the same way. The legal complaint does make some (unconvincing in my view) suggestions that the delayed briefing could have distracted the pilots just enough so that they didn't recognize the danger from the helicopter in time.