Unstable approach involving an Embraer EMB-120 ER, VH-XFQ, Townsville Aerodrome, Queensland, on 23 March 1997

The aircraft was conducting an ILS approach to Townsville, which was under the influence of Cyclone Justin, centred about 180 km north. Weather conditions for the approach were a strong, gusting crosswind, moderate to severe turbulence, and heavy rain.

At the start of the approach the aircraft was high on the glideslope. As the approach progressed the aircraft descended until it was well below the glideslope. The first officer called the flying pilot's attention to the rate of descent, which was up to 3,000 ft/min. A short time later, when the aircraft was at 780 ft above ground level, about 500 ft below the glideslope, and with a descent rate of 2,000 ft/min, the first officer called for a go-around. The captain applied power, and the descent was stopped at about 700 ft above ground.

The aerodrome controller cleared the aircraft to climb to 3,500 ft for a further approach. However, the aircraft levelled initially at 4,000 ft before a descent to 3,500 ft was carried out. The aircraft landed off the second approach, conducted using the autopilot coupled to the ILS.