Which altitude is critical during a missed approach?

The decision altitude is crucial during a missed approach because it represents the height at which a pilot must make a decision on whether to continue the approach or execute a missed approach procedure. At this altitude, the pilot must have visual reference to the runway or adequate indications that indicate the approach can be safely continued. If the required visual references are not attained by the decision altitude, the standard procedure is to initiate the missed approach, ensuring the safety of the aircraft and passengers by ascending to a safe altitude and proceeding as directed by the missed approach plan.

The importance of decision altitude lies in preventing the possibility of continuing an approach when visibility is insufficient, which could lead to unintentional hazards or accidents. Other altitudes mentioned, such as the initial approach altitude and pattern altitude, are relevant to the overall flight path for approaches and landings but do not specifically dictate the critical decision-making point experienced during a missed approach. Safe altitude above terrain is a general safety guideline but does not directly relate to the critical decision made at the decision altitude.