Narrative:

On [an] RNAV approach [the] aircraft was high and fast at IAF and down the approach due to high tailwinds at altitude. We tried to configure early and get drag on the aircraft but it would not slow down and come down during the approach. After unsuccessfully trying to get aircraft in a stable approach we had to execute a go around. We were vectored back out for the same RNAV approach. This time we configured and slowed early and were fully configured and at approach speed plus 10 knots due to gusts on base leg. Aircraft still got high and airspeed erratic due to high gusty tailwinds at 9000 to 6000 MSL. At about 3 miles on final we got a tailwind shear and executed another go around. The autopilot was engaged and handle the windshear event. It did not last long and was able to exit the event and clean up aircraft. After the go around we were vectored back out for another RNAV approach. Again we configured early and slowed to approach speed plus 10 knots for gusts on base. The autopilot had trouble handling the course intercept and the descent profile. Had to disengaged autopilot and maneuver aircraft on course and vertical path. When aircraft was in a better position the autopilot was reengaged and continued with the approach. During approach winds and turbulence bounced aircraft and airspeed fluctuations were +/- 10 knots. Below about 800 AGL winds shifted around from tailwinds to gusty headwinds. A momentary headwind shear appeared and disappeared without full alert and guidance. We continued on approach through 500 AGL. The autothrottles had trouble with the gusty winds so I disengaged them on short final. Due to gust factor and gusty winds we floated a little long on landing. We slowed and exited the runway to ramp. First approach we thought we briefed and planned an early enough slow and configuration but due to strong tailwinds the aircraft would not come down and slow down. The second approach the tail windshear alert and guidance caused the go around. The third approach the winds and wind shift caused a fast speed and a slightly long landing. Not sure about the windshear event but being slow and configured very early on this RNAV approach is a must. Also maybe disconnect autothrottles earlier so the autothrottles don't over control the wind gusts.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A MD-11 Captain reported three approaches and two go arounds during approaches to a high altitude airport with strong gusty winds.

Narrative: On [an] RNAV approach [the] aircraft was high and fast at IAF and down the approach due to high tailwinds at altitude. We tried to configure early and get drag on the aircraft but it would not slow down and come down during the approach. After unsuccessfully trying to get aircraft in a stable approach we had to execute a go around. We were vectored back out for the same RNAV approach. This time we configured and slowed early and were fully configured and at approach speed plus 10 knots due to gusts on base leg. Aircraft still got high and airspeed erratic due to high gusty tailwinds at 9000 to 6000 MSL. At about 3 miles on final we got a Tailwind Shear and executed another go around. The autopilot was engaged and handle the Windshear event. It did not last long and was able to exit the event and clean up aircraft. After the go around we were vectored back out for another RNAV approach. Again we configured early and slowed to approach speed plus 10 knots for gusts on base. The autopilot had trouble handling the course intercept and the descent profile. Had to disengaged autopilot and maneuver aircraft on course and vertical path. When aircraft was in a better position the autopilot was reengaged and continued with the approach. During approach winds and turbulence bounced aircraft and airspeed fluctuations were +/- 10 knots. Below about 800 AGL winds shifted around from tailwinds to gusty headwinds. A momentary headwind shear appeared and disappeared without full alert and guidance. We continued on approach through 500 AGL. The Autothrottles had trouble with the gusty winds so I disengaged them on short final. Due to gust factor and gusty winds we floated a little long on landing. We slowed and exited the runway to ramp. First approach we thought we briefed and planned an early enough slow and configuration but due to strong tailwinds the aircraft would not come down and slow down. The second approach the tail Windshear alert and guidance caused the go around. The third approach the winds and wind shift caused a fast speed and a slightly long landing. Not sure about the Windshear event but being slow and configured very early on this RNAV approach is a must. Also maybe disconnect Autothrottles earlier so the Autothrottles don't over control the wind gusts.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.