Event Description
During final approach, at approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL), the aircraft experienced a significant loss of indicated airspeed and encountered a high sink rate. This condition culminated in a hard landing. The lower aft body of the aircraft, in the area of the tail skid, was crushed inward, resulting in structural damage.
Descent Profile
The descent profile data indicate that at 47 feet above touchdown and an airspeed of 126 knots, the airplane began to rotate. It descended to 3 feet above touchdown, with an airspeed of 109 knots, over a period of 3 seconds.
Touchdown Parameters
Touchdown occurred with a nose-up attitude of 8.334 degrees and a vertical acceleration of 2.246 G. At the moment of touchdown, the airspeed was 110 knots, and full power was being developed.
LLWAS and Microburst
The Low-Level Wind Shear Alert System (LLWAS) did not activate during the event. Researchers from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) reported that a localized microburst could occur without activating the LLWAS.