Originally Posted by
Jack1985
Again to Big Pistons Forever, trying to pin this down to a single factor is both nonsensical and dangerous - We need to learn from all the factors of which descending below minima is one.
I respectfully disagree. The accident chain started with the deliberate decision to continue the approach below minimums. By removing all of the altitude margin they made a crash
inevitable when the engine asymmetry caused the fatal roll.
The airplane
may have still crashed if the missed approach had been commenced at the Cat 1 limit but the extra altitude may also have allowed a successful recovery. Where they started the go around there was no possible recovery.
You are correct in the fact that there are many lessons to be learned from this terrible tragedy but for professional pilots the primary take away should IMO be
Do not descend below minimums EVER. We pilots can't control many of the mechanical and operational issues that contributed to this accident but not busting minimums is
totally and completely under our control.
BTW the FAA accidents stats show that you are 15 times more likely to have a fatal crash on approach if you are flying your third attempt at the same approach.....