When should a missed approach be executed according to approach procedures?

The correct answer is that a missed approach should be executed if visual conditions are not met. This is fundamental to maintaining safety during an approach. Pilots are required to have visual reference to the runway or the required visual cues defined by the approach profile to continue landing. If these visual conditions are not achieved, it is essential to execute a missed approach procedure to avoid potential accidents, such as landing in unsuitable conditions or becoming spatially disoriented.

Visual conditions must be met before the aircraft can safely continue its approach to land, as defined by the specific flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements of the approach being executed. This means that when a pilot is unable to see the runway or the necessary landmarks that indicate a safe continuation of the landing, they must follow the missed approach procedure.

The other options do not accurately define the correct circumstances for executing a missed approach. For instance, executing a missed approach after reaching the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) would be inappropriate if visual references were unavailable. Similarly, waiting for an inspection post-touchdown before deciding would not apply since this action pertains to the landing rather than approach criteria. Lastly, execution upon ATC clearance does not replace the pilot's responsibility to ensure visual conditions are adequate to land. Thus,