NASA · Aviation Safety Reporting System
PC-12 pilot reported they switched NAV sources which caused the auto pilot to disconnect resulting in the aircraft descending too low on the approach and a Ground Proximity Warning along with an ATC Low Altitude Alert.
What is ASRS?
The Aviation Safety Reporting System is NASA's voluntary, confidential, non- punitive incident-reporting system, established 1976. Pilots, controllers, dispatchers, and maintenance technicians file reports describing safety- relevant events. NASA de-identifies every report before adding it to the public database. Reports are not investigated by NASA, the FAA, or the NTSB — they represent the reporter's perspective.
Pilot narrative
Verbatim from the de-identified NASA record. First-person account by the
reporter. NASA strips identifying details (names, company, specific time);
anonymization placeholders are ZZZ,
X, Y.
I had been cleared for the ILS XX approach at ZZZ and directed to maintain 3,000 ft. until established. I was in VMC conditions with a broken layer well below my altitude. I was vectored to the final approach course and intercepted it utilizing GPS. Outside the FAF, I attempted to switch NAV sources from GPS to LOC. I believed I had set the NAV 1 radio to VLOC. I later discovered that I had selected VLOC in the NAV 2 radio which was why I was unable to find a LOC 1 setting in my NAV source menu. Switching NAV sources caused the autopilot to disconnect. When I was unable to locate a "LOC 1" in my NAV source menu, I became distracted by that issue and did not notice that the aircraft had entered a descent. When I did notice the descent, I incorrectly believed I was inside the FAF. Approximately ½ mile outside the FAF, I received a GPWS altitude alert. I responded to the alert by adding power and initiating a climb. Simultaneously, ATC issued a low altitude alert. I advised ATC that I was climbing and requested vectors for another approach. All of this occurred in VMC conditions above a low broken/scattered layer. The subsequent approach was completed without incident through a thin low broken/scattered cloud layer. Learning points. I will ensure that I closely monitor which radio I have configured for the approach. When the autopilot is engaged, I will ensure that I temporarily select HDG mode when changing NAV sources. When I had trouble with the NAV source selection, I should have reengaged the autopilot in HDG and ALT mode while I troubleshot the issue. If the issue could not be troubleshot in a timely manner, it would have been appropriate to request vectors for another approach, this would have provided additional time to identify the issue. While I regret that this incident occurred, I am thankful for my training which enabled me to immediately, and appropriately, respond to the GPWS message. In addition, I am appreciative of the alert ATC Controller who issued the low altitude alert. I am committed to lifetime learning and view this incident as a significant event that will help me be a more proficient pilot. I also plan to share with other pilots so that they may benefit from my learning experience.
NASA classification — Anomalies
- Deviation - Altitude
- Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural
- Inflight Event / Encounter
NASA classification — Assessments
- Contributing Factors / Situations
- Airspace Structure · Chart Or Publication · Software and Automation · Procedure · Human Factors
- Primary Problem
- Human Factors
ASRS reports are voluntarily submitted, de-identified by NASA, and represent the reporter's perspective. The presence of reports on a topic cannot be used to infer prevalence in the National Airspace System. The authoritative source is the NASA ASRS Database Online at asrs.arc.nasa.gov ↗.