Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification; Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Procedure
I was on a base leg to final during a visual approach. As the aircraft was about to capture altitude the GPWS activated calling; 'TOO LOW TERRAIN; PULL UP' I failed to respond. I should have responded by stating 'Pulling Up; Max Power; Spoilers In' and actually doing it. This would have been the safest thing to do and is what is required by our operations manual. My mind set: I was on a visual approach. I had a mountain in sight miles ahead and to the left. My first thought that this is a computer error. I don't know what I was thinking that allowed me to disregard a GPWS warning. I will never make this stupid mistake again!
I elected to use 'Terrain Mode' on my MFD. During our descent we called the airport in sight while being vectored. At this time; in my opinion; we were a little behind the speed and energy management curve for a known terrain airport. As best as I can recall; we were around 3;800 FT MSL; 250 KTS and on a 90 degree 10 mile base leg when we were cleared for the approach. During this descent; as best I remember; we encountered descent rates around 1;500-1;800 FPM.The pilot flying and I both visually verified the terrain ahead of us and concluded that the proper course of action was reducing the vertical speed of the aircraft as [we believed] it was a 'predictive' warning. We elected not to comply with the 'Emergency EGPWS response' due to being able to visually verify the terrain clearance. Upon increasing the power setting and reducing the vertical speed the alert ceased and we continued the approach to a normal stabilized approach and landing. After reviewing the EGPWS procedures outlined in the AOM; I have concluded that we made a mistake in electing to simply reduce the vertical speed and continue with the approach while maintaining visual separation with the terrain.
A CRJ-200 flight crew on visual approach to BTV at dusk received an EGPWS 'TOO LOW TERRAIN; PULL UP' warning but elected; based on visual reference; to merely level out rather than execute the prescribed terrain avoidance maneuver. Both pilots questioned that decision after the fact.