Incident Overview
A pilot completing a night cross-country flight under visual flight rules (VFR) turned onto final approach for landing. According to the pilot's account, the landing gear had been lowered and full flaps were selected. While approximately 100 feet above the ground, the pilot observed that the airspeed had decreased to 80 knots. In response, the pilot added power in an attempt to "keep my nose up." Shortly thereafter, the aircraft impacted terrain about 200 feet short of the runway threshold.
Flight Details
The flight was conducted at night under VFR, and the pilot reported that the approach and landing sequence had been initiated with the landing gear extended and full flaps deployed. The pilot did not specify the aircraft type, registration, or operator, nor any information about occupants or injuries. No details regarding weather conditions, ATC communication, or the time of the accident were provided.
Sequence of Events
- The pilot aligned the aircraft with the final approach path.
- Landing gear was lowered and full flaps selected.
- At an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL), airspeed dropped to 80 knots.
- The pilot added engine power to keep the nose up.
- The aircraft then struck terrain 200 feet before the runway threshold.
Aftermath
The investigation did not state any injuries, fatalities, or damage to the aircraft beyond the impact with terrain. No findings regarding the probable cause were released in the available source material.