A319
Distraction; Workload; Confusion
Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation - Altitude Undershoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Chart Or Publication; Airport; Weather
I have never flown a visual to Runway 29 at EWR; so I was unfamiliar with these procedures. We thoroughly briefed the RNAV Visual Runway 29 from DOOIN. As per the Ops Alert for EWR Runway 29 visual approach procedures; we loaded the RNAV 29Z via DOOIN in the secondary. Once on a vector off the arrival; we activated the secondary with this approach. All altitudes in the database made sense according to the chart. We were cleared direct GRITY and cleared for the visual approach. We crossed GRITY at 2;800 FT; [and] then descended to cross DOOIN at 1;700 FT. We were on autopilot; in NAV; and followed the FINAL APCH brick for vertical reference. By DOOIN we were fully configured with gear down and Final Flaps 3 (for the LLWS and gusty crosswinds on the Runway 29). After DOOIN at 1;700 FT; the plane descended on the brick; and we found ourselves [just before the Turnpike Bridge] approaching 500 FT. I told the First Officer (pilot not flying) that we seemed too low and the visuals weren't right. We were too close to a bridge; and further ahead a windmill. I immediately climbed to 700 FT and leveled-off while making the turn to CHUMR. At the same time; ATC advised us we had a low altitude alert. During this time; the 'brick' kept indicating we were too high. The plane in front of us was doing S-turns to descend; so ATC advised us to do S-turns also to make more space. I circled wider than the published course at 700 FT; then re-intercepted the final approach and descended at a normal descent rate with the PAPI for guidance. Throughout this approach we encountered moderate turbulence; and the winds were 330/24 at the surface; and stronger aloft.
An A319 on the EWR Bridge Visual to Runway 29 descended to 500 FT after DOOIN in gusty; turbulent conditions. The crew realized they were low and climbed to 700 FT while turning to CHUMR as ATC issued a low altitude alert.