DC-10 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Weather; Procedure; Human Factors
We encountered downdraft/[windshear] on short final to Runway 32R and initiated a go-around after touchdown occurred. Winds were 240/24G31 and 32R was only runway open. After the go-around; as fuel remaining was becoming a factor; Runway 27L was opened.We were vectored to [Runway] 27L and on a four mile final an airspeed difference of 18 KTS was noted between the Captain's and First Officer's ASIs. The standby ASI indicated the First Officer's was correct; an analysis confirmed by the AOA indicator in the HUD. Then the SEL EL FEEL MAN and FLAP LIM OVRD lights illuminated at 300 AGL. Fuel remaining indicated 16.8. We elected to continue the approach with airspeed call outs due to critical fuel state and less than ideal conditions at our alternate; MKE. Uneventful landing Runway 27L; during conditions like we encountered; (high crosswinds and visibility restricted due to rain) the airport should be using an active runway more aligned with the wind when one is available. The opening of [Runway] 27L within 10 minutes suggests to me that it was available.Just a quick note on duty status: The First Officer was pilot flying on first approach and the Captain flew the second.
We were stable and configured at gear down; 35 flaps. We got a severe downdraft below 50 FT; the aircraft touched down and bounced slightly which is when a go-around was executed. We checked our fuel required to get to our alternate; and saw the winds were gusting there also. We then declared minimum fuel and determined we were better off attempting a landing on Runway 27L in ORD.We did not have the fuel to go-around and troubleshoot; so we continued the approach with First Officer backing up Captain on airspeed; stable approach and uneventful landing.
When they had to reject their landing on Runway 32L due to gusty crosswinds and windshear the flight crew of an DC-10 declared minimum fuel and requested a runway into the wind for their second; and successful approach.