B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Speed All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Aircraft; Procedure
On final approach to Runway 09L the Captain asked for and was approved for a sidestep to Runway 09R. This was approximately 2;000 FT MSL while on a VFR LOC approach. The sidestep was performed normally by me. At approximately 1;000 FT; or slightly lower; I noticed the autothrottles had disengaged for some reason and the airspeed had bled off to approximately 7 or 8 KTS below VREF. I subsequently manually added power and lowered the aircraft nose. The required speed was regained; but the aircraft was slightly high on the glide slope now. I further lowered the nose and was able to get back on path around 500 FT. The landing was normal; if slightly long; after that. A go around maneuver would have been the more prudent decision for this approach.When it was discovered that the autothrottles has disengaged; then a go-around should have been initiated.
A B737-800 autothrottle disconnected on final prior to 1;000 FT but went undetected the until 1;000 FT; about 7 KTS below VRef; and during recovery the aircraft went above glideslope and finally landed long.