Arann AT72 at Cork on Jan 2nd 2014, salted windshield

An Aer Arann Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-500 on behalf of Aer Lingus, registration EI-REL performing flight EI-3729 from Manchester,EN (UK) to Cork (Ireland) with 46 passengers and 4 crew, was on approach to Cork's runway 25, tower frequently reported winds from 230 degrees between 23 knots and 26 knots however gusting 44 knots, when the crew went around, positioned for another approach runway 25, winds now from 230 degrees at 28 knots gusting 41 knots, and went around a second time reporting problems with the windshield.

A crew on the ground chimed in asking whether tower could confirm the Arann was experiencing problems with their windshield and advised if the Arann stayed in the hold they would know shortly, they too had problems with their windshield and would be checking shortly. The crew on the ground subsequently reported they had salt on their windshield but had not suffered any problems with the vision through the windshield. Tower told the crew on the ground that the Arann had 30 minutes of fuel left and was holding with about 10nm to go for landing.

The Arann crew declared PAN reporting their windshield was blocked possibly due to salt. Emergency services deployed and took their stand by positions, Cork city brigades also went on alert and deployed to the airport. The crew commenced another approach about one hour after aborting the first approach, winds at that time from 220 degrees at 22 knots gusting 24 knots, next wind check at 230 degrees 33 knots gusting 42 knots, final windcheck just prior to touchdown winds from 220 degrees, 33 knots gusting 49 knots. Tower finally radioed "Good Job!" after the aircraft had safely landed.

The crew was offered a Follow Me but declined stating they didn't need a Follow Me for taxiing to the apron, and subsequently downgraded the PAN.

The airline reported the crew discontinued the approach due to unfavourable wind conditions, after holding for some time to wait for conditions to improve a successful approach was made. All 46 passengers disembarked normally.

Metars:

EICK 030100Z 22034G47KT 9999 SCT020 BKN040 07/02 Q0976 NOSIG

EICK 030030Z 22026G37KT 9999 SCT020 BKN038 07/04 Q0976 WS R25 NOSIG

EICK 030000Z 22031G51KT 9999 -RA SCT015 BKN040 06/04 Q0977 WS R25 NOSIG

EICK 022330Z 22028G45KT 9999 FEW016 BKN040 08/03 Q0977 WS R25 NOSIG

EICK 022300Z 22027G41KT 9999 FEW016 BKN040 08/03 Q0977 WS R25 NOSIG

EICK 022230Z 22029G44KT 9999 FEW016 BKN040 08/03 Q0977 NOSIG

EICK 022200Z 22023G36KT 9999 FEW016 BKN045 07/03 Q0977 NOSIG

EICK 022130Z 22027G40KT 9999 -RA FEW016 BKN035 08/04 Q0977 NOSIG

EICK 022100Z 23028G39KT 9999 FEW016 BKN050 BKN090 07/05 Q0977 NOSIG