Incident Summary
An aircraft experienced a loss of altitude during landing approach, resulting in an impact short of the runway. The aircraft sustained damage including the separation of the nose wheel, followed by a bounce and skid before coming to rest inverted.
Sequence of Events
During the approach, the aircraft was configured with full flaps and trimmed for a speed of 65 knots. At approximately 150 feet from the intended touchdown point, the pilot reduced engine power to land. Shortly thereafter, the stall warning horn activated, and the aircraft descended abruptly, dropping 10 to 20 feet. It struck the ground roughly 20 to 30 feet short of the runway. Upon impact, the nose wheel was torn from the aircraft. The aircraft then bounced onto the runway, skidded approximately 100 feet, and nosed over.
Witness Observations
A witness positioned near the approach end of the runway reported that the aircraft appeared to be slower than normal and was in a nose-high slip. No sound of engine power was heard as the aircraft was about to land.