An aborted landing occurs when a pilot discontinues the approach and initiates a go-around before touchdown, often due to unstable conditions, runway incursion, or system anomalies. This deliberate decision prioritizes safety over completion of the landing sequence and is a standard part of risk management in aviation operations.
Understanding why and how these situations unfold helps crews, regulators, and passengers recognize that a timely abort can prevent more serious outcomes. The following sections detail pilot procedures, operational factors, and aircraft performance considerations that shape modern aborted landing practices.
| Term | Definition | Typical Trigger | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Go-Around | Planned transition from approach to climb | Unstable approach, ATC instruction | Continued flight, reattempt or diversion |
| Touch-and-Go | Landing followed by immediate takeoff roll | Training, operational efficiency | No full stop; runway remains occupied briefly |
| Rejected Takeoff | Deceleration before V1 during takeoff | Engine failure, system warning | Aircraft stopped on remaining runway |
| Missed Approach | Instrument approach discontinuation after passing decision point | Loss of required visual references | Climb on published routing, radar vectors, or hold |
How Pilots Execute an Aborted Landing
Decision Points and Callouts
Pilots use clearly defined altitude and visual references to decide whether to continue the approach or initiate a go-around. Standard calls such as “Going around, flaps twenty” coordinate crew actions and ensure thrust, configuration, and navigation inputs occur in the correct sequence.
Aircraft Configuration Changes
Power is applied smoothly, landing gear is retracted, flaps are adjusted, and climb settings are established to achieve a positive rate of ascent. This reconfiguration must respect aircraft performance limits and air traffic constraints in the airspace.
Operational and ATC Factors
Air Traffic Management Influence
Air traffic control may request or direct a go-around to maintain spacing, resolve runway occupancy conflicts, or respond to changing weather. Clear phraseology and readbacks reduce the risk of miscommunication during high-workload phases.
Runway and Environment Considerations
Wind shear, sudden changes in visibility, or unauthorized vehicle or aircraft presence on the runway can make the landing environment unsafe. Crews are trained to evaluate these factors in real time and respond without hesitation.
Aircraft Performance and Limitations
Energy Management During Go-Around
Aborted landings require careful management of airspeed, altitude, and thrust to maintain controllability while avoiding obstacles. Pilots reference aircraft-specific charts and standard operating procedures to select appropriate climb speeds and flap settings.
Weight and Configuration Limits
Exceeding structural or performance limits during a rejected landing can strain airframe systems or reduce climb capability. Operators often incorporate weight and configuration boundaries into training scenarios and operational checks.
Safety Culture and Training
Simulator and Line Training
Regular drills in full-flight simulators and line operations reinforce timely recognition of unstable conditions. Crew resource management practices encourage assertive communication so any member can advocate for a go-around when necessary.
Data Review and Procedures Updates
Airlines analyze occurrence reports, flight data monitoring, and regulator guidance to refine SOPs. Updated guidance helps crews handle edge cases, such as concurrent system warnings during the final phase of approach.
Operational Excellence in Aborted Landings
- Adhere to stabilized approach criteria and initiate go-around without hesitation when parameters are unstable
- Follow standardized callouts and checklists to maintain coordination and aircraft control
- Monitor aircraft energy, configuration, and performance limits throughout the maneuver
- Leverage ATC instructions and weather updates to plan efficient reattempts or diversions
- Use simulator and data-driven insights to refine crew response and reduce recurrence
FAQ
Reader questions
What specific approach parameters typically trigger an aborted landing?
Deviations below the glidepath, excessive airspeed, late runway alignment, or missing visual references by the decision height usually prompt a go-around. Crews are trained to monitor these parameters continuously and to initiate the go-around without delay when limits are exceeded.
How does weather, especially wind shear, influence the decision to abort a landing?
Wind shear can cause sudden loss of airspeed or altitude during the final approach, making the energy state unpredictable. Operators train crews to recognize shear indicators, apply windshear escape procedures, and perform a go-around when performance or control margins are compromised.
Can an aborted landing affect airport operations and other flights?
Yes, a go-around may temporarily occupy the runway, adjust spacing requirements, or trigger flow restrictions in the approach corridor. Coordination with ATC ensures that climbs, holds, or rerouting minimize disruption to the overall air traffic flow.
What role does automation play during a rejected approach at low altitude?
Automation can provide pitch and thrust commands aligned with best practices, but crews must remain ready to disconnect, manually configure the aircraft, and respond to system anomalies. Training emphasizes disciplined oversight of automated responses to maintain situational awareness.