Is it legal to go below MDA during an approach?

During an approach, it is crucial to adhere to the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA). The MDA is a specified altitude that must not be descended below unless the pilot has the necessary visual reference to continue the approach safely. Therefore, legally, a pilot is not permitted to go below the MDA unless visual contact is established with the runway environment.

The regulation emphasizes ensuring safety during low visibility conditions or when flying an instrument approach. Descending below the MDA without visual references could lead to a loss of control or an unintentional descent into terrain or obstacles. For these reasons, the correct answer reflects the legal framework governing instrument flight rules, which require maintaining the MDA until the appropriate visual references are acquired.