I personally had an RA flag coming on during approach once in vmc conditions.Slightly high on spd. for the configuration.The fds flew off and PIT and ROL annunciated.All this approx. at 2000 ft. A/T remained engaged.The F/O was a fully qualified pilot with about 1000 hrs on type.The next 60 s was a flurry of activity,recycling the fds,engaging approach mode and configuring the aircraft for the landing( since we got distracted by the failure we were that much more out of the box as far as our approach was concerned).If we were not in vmc conditions and i didn't have an experienced first officer , i presume a go around might have been initiated.We landed comfortably without exceeding any approach parameters.
This accident reflects some significant differences
1.It was a training flt.The F/O was a low or no time on type pilot.The Capt.
was definitely overloaded once the RA flag came on.
2. The approach was in IMC.Not conducive to do training with a malfunction in the approach phase.
3.Two tech differences that I note is there is a mention of a ldg. gear warning horn and the A/T commanded retard if noted.Both of which would have added to the confusion and distraction.If the aircraft had switched to PIT mode as in my case it could have flown thru the G/S without capturing it esp. if it was below the G/S already.
4.The level of activity in the cockpit would have been enormous if attempts were being made to re engage automatics while there would have been no warning about the A/T retard except the FMA annun.How much the Tr. FO helped in this scenario remains to be seen.The role of the safety pilot appears to be more paramount in this case.As I am sure most trainers and some line pilots will bear testimony sometimes trainees freeze up at the wrong times .
5.To those who say throw out the technology,for every accident that occurs today ,i thank god for the tech. that has saved us day in and day out for which i can vouch for.The A/C warned of a malfunction ( RA flag) the AT annun. that it was in RETARD mode.What Boeing needs might be a in the face prioritise feature for the human element.
6 To the jokers who blame accidents on the big and small,fat and thin,black, white,yellow ,brown and anything i left out i just would like to say grow up guys.It has happened to the best of them and it can happen to you and me depending on the situation and the rest of them will discuss it threadbare over our bones.
7 To the old plane and the new plane flyers when it comes down to the brasstacks and you don't know what to do, just make sure you have speed and altitude.If you got too much of either give it to the other.
Cheers