Background
A flight from Des Moines, Iowa, to Lamar, Colorado, was interrupted when the pilot decided to land at Mankato, Kansas, for fuel.
Flight Details
The pilot landed on Runway 17, with the wind reported from 190 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 24 knots. The pilot stated that he established a steep, no-flap final approach at 80 knots.
Accident Sequence
When the aircraft was approximately 50 feet above ground level, the rate of descent increased. The pilot applied full throttle and nose-up elevator, but these actions did not reduce the descent rate. The aircraft impacted the ground in a cornfield about 120 feet short of the runway.
Investigation
There was no evidence of a preimpact malfunction or failure of the aircraft or engine.