Overview
• Operator: Asiana Airlines
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A350-900
• Registration: HL8382
• Flight Number: OZ-212
• Route: Seoul Incheon (ICN) to San Francisco International (SFO)
• Date: 23 February 2025
• Occupants: Not specified
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Low altitude alert on final approach, resulting in a go-around
Incident Summary
An Asiana Airlines Airbus A350-900, operating flight OZ-212 from Seoul (ICN) to San Francisco (SFO), was on final approach to runway 28L when San Francisco Tower issued a low altitude alert at 14:01 local time (22:01 UTC).
The crew was advised to immediately check their altitude, with the tower providing the current altimeter setting of 30.26. The controller instructed the crew to go around, which they complied with.
The aircraft then repositioned for another approach and landed safely approximately 16 minutes after the go-around.
ADS-B data showed that the aircraft was descending through approximately 650 feet AGL, with the transponder indicating 325 feet corrected for ambient pressure, at a position where the aircraft should have been at 1,000 feet AGL, approximately 3.05 nautical miles from the runway threshold.
Despite the event, the aircraft departed on schedule for its return flight to Seoul.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• The aircraft was conducting a normal approach to San Francisco’s runway 28L.
• ATC cleared the aircraft to land but later detected a low altitude concern.
Final Approach & ATC Intervention:
• ADS-B data showed that the aircraft was below the expected altitude profile for a stabilized approach.
• ATC issued a low altitude alert, instructing the crew to check altitude immediately.
• The crew acknowledged the instruction and executed a go-around.
Go-around & Landing:
• The aircraft climbed out and repositioned for another approach.
• It landed safely on runway 28L approximately 16 minutes after the go-around.
• No further irregularities were reported after landing.
Investigation & Initial Findings
• The cause of the low altitude deviation is not yet determined, but possible factors include:
• Flight crew mismanagement of descent profile during approach.
• Autopilot or Flight Director system misconfiguration affecting altitude control.
• Instrument misinterpretation due to barometric pressure settings or incorrect approach guidance.
• San Francisco Tower intervention prevented a possible unstable or hazardous landing attempt.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Strict adherence to stabilized approach criteria must be maintained, particularly in complex airspace like SFO.
• Flight crew procedures for altitude cross-checking on approach should be reinforced, including verification of the altimeter setting and required descent profile.
• ATC altitude alerts played a critical role in detecting and mitigating a potentially serious approach deviation.
• Asiana Airlines may conduct an internal review of this approach, including FDR (Flight Data Recorder) analysis to identify potential procedural or technical factors.
Weather Conditions (METARs at SFO)
• Winds were generally from the west to northwest with gusts up to 23 knots.
• Visibility was 10 statute miles, with scattered and broken clouds present at various altitudes.
• Altimeter setting at 30.26, as communicated by ATC.
• No significant weather-related disruptions were reported.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 24 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
