Hello,
SASless has pretty much mentioned the factors concerned, I just want to add my two cents...
Infinite range of options....
The earlier you can recognise that you are not right, the more options you have.
As you get slower and lower, the number of options you have reduce until the only 'safe' option is..
4. GO AROUND
Most situations are recoverable with early recognition and a few
subtle adjustments to 'rate of closure' and 'rate of descent'.
I think need for major S turns and sideslipping suggests an approach that is so far gone that I'd consider going around rather than trying to recover. Small turns and a little drag is OK, but if it needs so much that your PAX notice, then I would probably set up the approach again. Of course, in autorotation (when go-arounds are not an option) side slipping and s-turns are the only options.
I'd be even more inclined to go around if I had misjudged the wind direction and had a tailwind (sensed by the steepening angle and a high rate of closure)....as I would be doubting the quality of my 'recon' of the LZ. If I'd stuffed up the wind direction, then what else didn't I see?...wires, obstacles, etc..etc.. Obviously there is not much you can do about a wind-shift. You just have to deal with that!
So to summarise...
The earlier you can spot that you're off the line the better. All those techniques Delta3 mentioned will work...however... Each situation is different, and the hazards vary (as in SASless's post).
You don't want surprises when doing a downwind approach! Going Around is always an option, and the decision to do so, shouldn't be left too late.
cl12pv2s
Added after!:
1.
Steep Approach Pro's and Con's
Con's: In the H-V curve for longer. Power requirement is higher...therefore risk of SWP and LTE higher...especially with a tailwind.
2.
S-Turns Pro's and Con's
Cons: Looks messy! PAX might not like it. Also, depending on the configuration of the landing area, S-turns might not be possible due to obstacles or other aircraft / runways either side of your approach path.
3.
Side Slip Pro's and Con's
Personally, I've never used this for normal approaches...only autorotations.
Cons: Feels uncomfortable for PAX, unnecessary stress on aircraft conponents, power requirements are higher and risk of LTE or SWP is higer depending on which pedal you kick in. Crabbing late on an approach (below about 50 feet) increases the risk of rollover in the event of an engine failure.
4.
Go-Around
Cons: Can't see any con's to this course of action, unless fuel is a factor!