Sooo then, isn't it even remotely possible that the ECA crew were also given 600m RVR, started the approach and saw lights at 200ft but mistook the edge lights for centreline lights (which of course don't exist)??
Of course this is quite possible, and it is probably what they will report for protocol.
Nevertheless it is clearly stated in the AIP for EPKT: RCLL none
(no centreline lights.)
They certainly should have seen the Calvert system lights,
but isn't the decision altitude (DA) referring to having "runway in sight"
and not the Calvert HI flashes?
If you are a pilot, would you land if you would see just ONE string of lights,
and having no visual of the other two strings of lights supposed to be
the side lights?
Are there any CAT I runways having just RCLL and no side lights?
I dare to suggest: NO.
In other words, shouldn't you wait for the investigation report before jumping into conclusions, judging and condemning pilots, airlines and countries???
I certainly agree with you, and will patiently wait for the final report.
Nevertheless, I hope that bringing public attention to such incidents
will stop the craziness of airlines pushing pilots to land below minima
and stop pilots from risking their lives, and the lives of the passengers
doing so.
I hope also, you have enough imagination, that with little less luck,
with wet and soft grass off the runway, you would end up
with the main gear braking off and eventually,
in a pile of burning scrap metal.
I rest my case now.
EOT