A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 731
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft
We were on downwind vectors with Approach Control with the last assigned altitude of 11;000 and an ALT FMA. Just prior to leveling off I had V/S-1000 in the FCU. As well; not long after leveling off I made the remark about the proximity of the nearby mountains as they came into clear view and the lack of any terrain displayed on either of our ND's. The Captain also agreed; and we both checked that the brightness was adequate and the TERR switches were selected on. Neither one of us stated concern over the altitude above terrain; only that we expected to see 'green returns' on the ND. Shortly thereafter; the Captain mentioned that he saw a tiny speck of green off the nose. Almost immediately the EGPWS aural alert 'terrain; terrain' sounded and my first response was to initiate the terrain escape maneuver. Almost immediately; the Captain took priority and confirmed that TOGA was set and full aft stick was commanded. The events were somewhat blurred as I remember looking at the PFD for RA information as well as the ND for some situational awareness when the 'priority left' aural call was made.I can honestly say that this was my first EGPWS event while flying Part 121 for more than 9;000 hours. I will state that it was disorienting due to the way these events are classically seen in simulator training. Usually; there is a lot of yellow and red displayed on the ND; and you are in IMC; and one is pre-loaded to think about terrain escape. Our event took place in night VMC and we were both actively discussing it all the while clearly seeing all the terrain. I remember telling ATC that we were performing a terrain escape maneuver and we would level at 15;000; well above the highest published MSA for the approach. ATC responded somewhat incredulously that we experienced a terrain warning and that 11;000 was an appropriate vector altitude for that sector. The Captain and I discussed the current state of the aircraft and I was given control again and requested vectors back on the ILS from 15;000. The Captain made a PA announcement to the cabin explaining what had occurred and that we would be landing safely shortly. We had to work hard to bring the airplane down the glide path due to the higher energy state as well as having a tailwind on approach. We met the stabilized approach criteria and landed with no further 'excitement.' Once shut down at the gate; we were present as soon as possible to say goodbye to the passengers. The Captain was in the jetway when the lead Flight Attendant mentioned to me that one of them injured themselves during the terrain escape maneuver. After everybody deplaned; we offered assistance to the Flight Attendants and made sure that they were okay to continue with the layover. It was made known that they were a bit shook up and one had a stubbed toe and a slight limp. There were no reported problems with the passengers; and we went to different hotels as scheduled and ended the duty day.
With aircraft on autopilot; under Approach Control; [we] received a GPWS terrain warning while level at 11;000 feet and 280 knots. Pilot Monitoring took control of aircraft and performed terrain escape maneuver. Warning ceased quickly and aircraft was leveled at 15;000 feet. Approach Control was informed of response to terrain warning and Approach confirmed previous clearance of 11;000 feet. Vectors to a normal approach and landing occurred. Post flight; the flight attendants reported that they may have received minor injuries during the escape maneuver. They had been performing final cabin checks during the maneuver.
A319 flight crew reported receiving an erroneous EGPWS terrain warning at ATC assigned altitude during night time vectors to ILS final. During the prescribed escape maneuver; a flight attendant suffered minor injury.