QTR908 Goes Around at YSSY Claims No Approach Clearance Given

[RonR]

On January 13, QTR908 was about to land at Sydney, Australia on runway 34L and was at about 1000 feet when the flight crew decided to go around.  Asked the reason for the miss, The crew claimed they were unstable and then said that they were not given an approach clearance.  They went on to say that the frequency was too congested and weren't able to communicate with ATC.  Hmmmm, OK....  They landed safely a short time later on the same runway.

https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/QTR908/history/20240112/1750Z/OTHH/YSSY

https://avherald.com/h?article=513a1a6d&opt=0

[RonR]

Here is the timing of the ATC comms with QTR908.  Times are Zulu time:

7:11:50    QTR908: Checks in with Sydney Final (Flight Director)
7:12:02    ATC: Maintain 230Kt or greater
7:12:40    ATC: Descend to 3000
7:13:17    ATC: Left turn to 080
7:13:43    ATC: Left turn to 060, descend to 2000
7:13:51    ATC: Maintain 200Kt or greater
7:14:22    ATC: Left turn to 040
7:14:39    ATC: Left turn to 010, intercept 34L localizer
7:14:52    ATC: No delay through 3000
7:15:12    ATC: Confirm passing through 3000 (QTR908 confirms)
7:15:42    QTR908: asks to reduce to 180Kt (unclear if this is what they asked),
                ATC: Confirm passing through 2500 (QTR908 confirms)
7:16.29    ATC clears QTR908 for ILS approach runway 34L
7:16:39    ATC repeats approach clearance (QTR908 did not hear it the first time)
7:16:49    ATC clears QTR908 for independent visual approach (QTR908 confirms)
7:17:15    QTR908 told to contact tower
7:17:29    QTR908 contacts tower
7:17:49    QTR908 goes around

[Fryy/Avocadoflight]

Thanks Ron, I was actually looking into this thinking it would be a strange one to hear how it all took place.

[RonR]

What struck me right away was how the same QTR908 pilot was the one communicating with ATC the entire time except for when the explanation was given to ATC about the reason for the miss.  That was clearly the voice of another member of the flight crew (crew member senior to the first pilot?).  Too bad we couldn't hear the ATC side after he gave that explanation...

Ron