Incident Details
A pilot reported that during the approach to Runway 29, the aircraft's airspeed instantaneously dropped from 115 knots to 85 knots at an altitude between 50 and 35 feet above ground level. The pilot had calculated an approach reference speed of 99 knots based on the landing weight but was using 115 knots during the approach. Despite applying full power and control inputs to arrest the descent, the aircraft touched down hard on the runway.
Weather Conditions
The airport manager estimated the winds at the time to be from the northwest at 15 knots, gusting 30 to 35 knots. The TWEB Route 426 forecast, which covered the airport area, indicated northwest winds across ridges and through passes between 20 and 45 knots with locally higher gusts, as well as mountain wave conditions with areas of wind shear.
Pilot Observations
The pilot noted that during the descent, another aircraft was heard making a go-around due to winds but subsequently landed successfully on a second attempt.