CAA concerned over rise in decisions to continue unstable approaches

 On 4 August 2026, the UK Civil Aviation Authority issued Safety Notice SN-2026/008 warning airlines about a growing trend of flight crews continuing unstable approaches instead of executing a go-around. Analysis of Mandatory Occurrence Reports and operator safety data revealed an increasing number of approaches that fail to meet established stabilised approach criteria yet are not discontinued. The CAA highlights that this practice significantly raises the risk of hard landings, tail-strikes, and runway excursions. Citing Flight Safety Foundation research, the notice notes that unstable approaches were a factor in 66% of approach and landing accidents. The regulator warns that many uneventful landings from unstable approaches can breed dangerous complacency. It emphasises that busy airspace alone does not justify continuing an unstable approach, as procedures accommodate safe go-arounds. Operators are urged to strengthen SOPs, investigate individual events, promote a culture where go-arounds are normal rather than a failure, and use Flight Data Monitoring to detect occurrences. The notice remains in force until 31 August 2029.

Continue reading: https://www.caa.co.uk/publication/download/29501