Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 620; Flight Crew Type 17000
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
PHX Approach Control vectored us to an eight mile final for Runway 26 coming off of the EAGUL 6 Arrival. The Controller told us to 'Maintain 190 knots to a five mile; if able.' I replied 'We'll do our best.' About 15 seconds later she said 'Normal speed; and contact Tower' Our TCAS was very cluttered with ground traffic and traffic to our left for the south Runway 25L. We contacted Tower at about seven mile final and were immediately told 'cleared to land Runway 26; 50 knot overtake on preceding traffic.' At that time we notice the preceding aircraft at only two miles ahead of us. It was a B757; very light weight; and five seconds later Tower said '70 knots overtake; make S-turns to the north.' My FO was flying; we were fully configured and at final approach speed; and made a 60 degree turn to the north; then turned back; pointing right at the traffic landing on the south runway; started turning final at 1000 AGL. In the last 200 before landing we encountered very aggressive wake turbulence from the 757. During the S-turn I told the FO we'll never make this; we needed to go around. He continued. I monitored the approach but was extremely uncomfortable. We landed as the (other carrier) aircraft cleared the runway.I cannot believe the Controller put us in that situation. It was an unsafe job by the ATC Controller. It looked like it might work out; so I let the FO continue. I was prepared to call for a go-around if the preceding aircraft was not clear. It was close; but he cleared just as we crossed the threshold. I should have been more directive on the go-around call and taken the aircraft. Superior judgment prevents having to use superior flying skills.
B737 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence on short final at PHX in trail of a B757.