Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 215; Flight Crew Type 13007
Distraction; Workload
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Chart Or Publication; Procedure; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
This was the first time flying into RIC for both crew members. Captain was PF and FO was PM. Crew planned to fly the SPIDR 4 RNAV Arrival and to connect to the RNAV (RNP) Y Runway 16 (RIC was landing Runways 16 and 20). Crew requested and was approved by Potomac Approach to fly the RNAV (RNP) Y to Runway 16 from DEEER (Potomac directed crossing DEEER at 4;000 feet MSL). We received the approach clearance around REDNG. FMC had given ALERT MESSAGES all flight long there was a steep descent after HEMME waypoint (280 KIAS/11;000 feet - 12;000 feet crossing restriction). FMC was correctly programmed. After passing HEMME; the aircraft began to deviate from the RNAV path by getting high. It became very clear; pilots had to intervene substantially in order to correct the aircraft back onto the VNAV PATH to successfully fly the RNAV (RNP) Y Runway 16 Approach. PF used maximum inflight speedbrake; elected not to use extending flaps. Aircraft airspeed was restricted to 250 KIAS or less as aircraft was transitioning to below 10;000 feet MSL. The only technique to slow the aircraft and attempt to re-establish the RNAV vertical path was to extend the landing gear about 30 miles from the field. Crew was able to correct aircraft back to RNAV path and complete the approach + landing. If this was another crew with little or no experience flying this RNAV Arrival to RNAV (RNP) Approach into RIC with actual weather; there is a high probability they would not successfully complete the approach and landing (would have to go missed approach; other altitude/speed deviations and/or compromise safety).
Air carrier Captain reported crossing restrictions and speed issues while flying into RIC airport on the RNAV (RNP) Y Runway 16 Approach.