The simple mistake that caused Etihad 787 to be 300ft low on approach

Investigators in the UAE have concluded that an incorrect altimeter pressure setting caused an Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to descend below the correct vertical profile while on approach.

The jet, A6-BMD (c/n 60758), was operating a cargo-only flight between Beijing/Capital and Abu Dhabi International on June 6, 2020, with just three people on board, comprising the commander and two co-pilots.

A6-BMD
The aircraft involved, A6-BMA (c/n 60758) was delivered to the Middle Eastern airline in December 2018. Aviation Image Network/Bailey

During an RNAV Y approach to runway 31L at the hub—when the widebody was on short final at a distance of approximately 1.3nm and 210ft radio altitude—the flight crew intimated a go-around.

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