SYNOPSIS
The aircraft was on a routine scheduled passenger flight between London Stansted (EGSS) and Cork Airport (EICK). Weather conditions at EICK that afternoon were clear and sunny. The aircraft Commander was the Pilot Flying (PF), with the First Officer as the Pilot-Non-Flying (PNF) or the monitoring pilot. Approaching the South coast, the PNF asked Air Traffic Control (ATC) for permission to carry out a visual approach to Runway (RWY) 17. The aircraft was cleared by ATC for an unrestricted visual approach to RWY 17 at 4 NM from touchdown.
As the final part of this approach was too high the PNF asked ATC, at the PF’s request, for permission to carry out a right hand orbit. This was approved by ATC. During this orbit manoeuvre the aircraft flew low over the Bishopstown area of Cork City on its base leg. As the aircraft turned onto finals the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) “Glide Slope” CAUTION sounded twice. In addition, the EGPWS alert activated. The aircraft landed normally at 16.53 hrs. The Operator advised the AAIU of this Serious Incident on 13 June 2006.
