Smartwings B38M at Marsa Matruh on Jul 16th 2025, QNH error, continued approach below minimum safe altitude

Last Update: November 7, 2025 / 17:16:57 GMT/Zulu time

Bookmark this article
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Jul 16, 2025

Classification
Incident

Airline
Smartwings

Flight number
QS3206

Departure
Prague, Czech Republic

Destination
Marsa Matruh, Egypt

Aircraft Registration
OK-SWF

Aircraft Type
Boeing 737-800MAX

ICAO Type Designator
B38M

A Smartwings Boeing 737-8 MAX, registration OK-SWF performing flight QS3206 from Prague (Czech Republic) to Marsa Matruh (Egypt), was on approach to Marsa Matruh, when the captain got told a QNH of 1014 hPa, who was alone on the flight deck at that time. Upon descending through the transition level ATC did not correct the crew report of QNH 1014, the crew considered the value correct without further checking. However, QNH 1004 was correct. As result the aircraft performed the approach 280 feet below the required descent profile in poor visibility. When the aircraft was 2nm before the runway the PAPIs became visible showing the aircraft below the approach path. The crew interrupted the descent and maintained horizontal flight, received a terrain proximity warning, and after receiving PAPI indications they were on glide path again continued for a landing without further incident.

Czechia's UZPLN reported the aircraft flew 11 seconds less than 260 feet above ground and flew about 1nm and 21 seconds in horizontal flight.

No Metars are available for Marsa Matruh.
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Jul 16, 2025

Classification
Incident

Airline
Smartwings

Flight number
QS3206

Departure
Prague, Czech Republic

Destination
Marsa Matruh, Egypt

Aircraft Registration
OK-SWF

Aircraft Type
Boeing 737-800MAX

ICAO Type Designator
B38M

This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source

You can read 2 more free articles without a subscription.

Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!

Subscribe now
Are you a subscriber? Login
Subscribe

Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.

Compare our plans

Send tip

Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.

Send tip

Related articles

Newest articles

Subscribe today

Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.

Pick your plan and subscribe

Partner

ELITE Logo

ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.

SafetyScan Pro

SafetyScan Pro provides streamlined access to thousands of aviation accident reports. Tailored for your safety management efforts. Book your demo today

AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American Airlines
United
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways