What happened
The flight departed Brainerd, MN, on schedule with no discrepancies noted by the crew. The flight proceeded normally until the aircraft was on final approach for runway 31 at Bemidji. Prior to the initiation of the landing approach, local weather observations reported winds from 200 degrees at only 5 knots.
According to cockpit voice recorder transcripts, the crew experienced stronger winds than were forecasted, though they did not deem the conditions sufficient to abort the landing. Just prior to touchdown, the crew reported a loss of lift over the runway threshold, causing the aircraft to impact the runway with significant force. Following the deplaning of passengers at the terminal, damage was identified on the aircraft. The crew noted that trees bordering the airport perimeter may have contributed to wind instability or possible wind shear during the final moments of the approach. No recording devices were installed at the airport to provide data regarding wind stability or shear.