Why can't Southwest stay out of the weeds on approaches?
David Ison PhD
Aviation Researcher | Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) & Airport Planning Expert | Published Author & Consultant | Expert Witness (Aviation Cases)
Here is yet another example of SWA getting too low on an approach. This time it was in Tampa, FL. The aircraft ended up at around 150 feet over the middle of Tampa Bay instead of flying at the appropriate higher altitude published for the approach to the runway.
This image is the approximate cockpit view from an airplane at the CORRECT altitude based on position over the bay.
The image below is the view from the altitude at which the aircraft in question was flying. I am not sure how that sight picture would look right to any pilot who was paying attention to what they were doing....
For an in depth analysis of the event including ATC recordings, see HERE.