What occurs if the pilot does not visually establish the runway environment by MDA/DH?

When approaching an airport under instrument flight rules (IFR), pilots must adhere to minimum descent altitude (MDA) or decision height (DH) requirements. The purpose of these altitudes is to ensure that pilots have visual reference to the runway environment before attempting a landing. If the pilot does not visually establish the runway environment at or above these critical altitudes, the correct course of action is to execute a go-around.

Executing a go-around is a standard safety procedure that allows the pilot to safely abandon the landing attempt without risking an accident by landing without positive visual confirmation of the runway. This ensures that the pilot can assess the situation again and attempt the approach once conditions improve or sufficient visual references are acquired.

Although returning to the departure airport, attempting a landing under uncertain conditions, or regaining altitude before another approach may seem like logical alternatives, they do not align with the standard operating procedures that prioritize safety and compliance with visual flight rules. Therefore, a go-around is the mandated response when visual conditions haven't been met by MDA/DH.