reducing "Crew-caused"
approach and landing
accidents 

Pilot-in-charge Monitored Approach

1997 B747 CFIT Guam USA

Brief account : 

Following a night localiser-only approach in deteriorating weather, the aircraft struck a hill 3 miles short of the runway and was destroyed.

Crew-related factors : 

Crew procedures aspects of this accident are discussed at some length on this site. The  NTSB noted that "the monitored approach [i.e. PicMA - author] method provides for more effective monitoring by the non-flying pilot because captains are more likely to be comfortable offering corrections or challenges to first officers than the reverse situation. ............  Monitored approaches decrease the workload of the flying pilot and increase flight crew interaction, especially when experienced captains monitor and prompt first officers during the execution of approaches." 

Noting also that monitored approaches are not appropriate in ALL circumstances, it recommended (Recommendation A-00-10) that the FAA "Conduct or sponsor research to determine the most effective use of the monitored approach method and the maximum degree to which it can be safely used and then require air carriers to modify their procedures accordingly." 

What happened to this recommendation is discussed on this site here .

Type: 
B747-300
Where: 
Guam USA
Expected weather: 
Visual
Pilot in charge: 
Capt
Early transition: 
No
Go-around : 
Below DH/A
Damage: 
Serious
PicMA potential: 
Major
Year: 
1997
Time: 
Night
Deterioration: 
Yes
Vert Guidance: 
None
Both Head Up: 
Yes
LoC: 
No
Operator: 
Korean
Fully prepared: 
Yes
Actual Weather: 
Low Cloud
Autopilot : 
N
CCAG: 
High