Example of how tricky landing at SXM can be...

Followed their training. Every landing is approached with the expectation of having to go around if things are not right.
 
The pilots went around, which was the safe action. No drama. Authorities always investigate "unusual events" such as this one. It's protocol. Media, however, love that stuff.

SXM airport is not equipped with an ILS - Instrument Landing System (aka "precision approach"). Therefore, pilots must fly a "non-precision" instrument approach with higher decision minima. This can be a little tricky in poor visibility and low ceiling.

Missed approaches are standard procedures in aviation. This one was no different except for the low altitude at which the go-around decision was made (40 feet).

Very few airports in the Eastern Caribbean are equipped with an ILS: San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Barbados. That's it! All the other airports are either "non precision equipped" (such as SXM) or "visual only" (such as SBH).
 
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