Widebody; Low Wing; 3 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors
Cleared for visual approach [Runway 4]; started to descend. Realized terrain was between our position and the runway. Climbed to safe altitude. Cleared terrain. Continued to safe landing. Instead of following instrument procedures; even though in VMC; I looked out to the runway and began a visual descent. Terrain was between us and runway. Always use instrument procedures; even under visual conditions; when terrain can be a factor; or when unfamiliar with an airport.
Air carrier Captain reported being cleared for a visual approach to Runway 4 at ELP and commencing descent only to discover that terrain was between the aircraft and the runway. The terrain was cleared and the approach was continued.