Abortet approach & Go-around @ BRS
 

KL 1055 took three attempts to land at bristol on wednesday.
First approach to RWY 27 was aborted at about 1000 ft, instead the plane passed the runway about 600m north (over the parking lot) and then flew a REAL close circuit to land on RWY 09.
Beeing too high (or too fast, or both) the final reached far into the runway, and the pilot decided to go around at about the height of the first level of the airport building (30 ft ?).
Passengers were not 'screaming in fear, when the plane was about to crash' or ' clutched each other in panic' (which I would have appreciated, as the lady to me left was quite good looking :} )
Instead they made jokes like 'the pilot forgot to lower the gear' or 'the navigator picked the wrong airport'
After a few minutes around Bristol and Filton (I was thinking the pilot might divert to that airfield, as the crosswind at BRS was quite heavy) and finally landed smooth as silk on RWY 27 at BRS after a slightly turbulent approach.

A real non-event so far.

During taxi to the gate, the Co explained via the PA, that there was 'a misunderstanding between the captain and the controller, about the landing direction' :confused:

How can there be a misunderstanding at an airfield wich just one runway and not even a 13/31 or something confusing.

Maybe a crew member or a controller can enlighten me ?

A GA is a non-event, even when it is required. A non GA, when it is required would be an event... And you don't think he was going to tell you the truth necessarily <G>

NoD

quote:
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During taxi to the gate, the Co explained via the PA, that there was 'a misunderstanding between the captain and the controller, about the landing direction'
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Are you sure that is exactly the reason the FO gave to the pax, as to me it sounds like ATC informed the Capt on finals that the wind had veered around to suit landing on the opposite end therefore resulting in a GA.??
Just a thought..

I was waiting to taxi at the time. The KL called the tower late and said he was on downwind for r/w 09. The controller was surprised as he was expecting the approach to be made for r/w 27. The aircraft was nevertheless cleared to land on 09. The aircraft was presumably cleared for a visual approach which was then misjudged. It happens. Since I was not listening to radar at the time, cannot comment on whose fault it was regarding the confusion as to the runway in use. The wind was straight across the runway from the south.
Nasib

As the KLM would have come in from the East and the RWY was 27 it all sounds a bit odd.