SYNOPSIS
The aircraft, an ATR 72-212A, was approaching Dublin Airport (EIDW) following a scheduled passenger flight from Edinburgh Airport (EGPH) in the United Kingdom. During the intermediate descent prior to commencing the published instrument approach procedure, the aircraft descended below the altitude assigned by the Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO). The ‘Minimum Safe Altitude Warning’ (MSAW) activated on the ATCO’s radar screen to warn the ATCO about the aircraft’s continued descent. When contacted by the ATCO, the Commander initiated a missed approach, climbed to a safe altitude and obtained radar vectors for a second approach. The aircraft subsequently landed at EIDW without further incident. There were no injuries reported to the Investigation and the aircraft was undamaged.
