Event Description
The first officer was piloting the aircraft during the approach. On final, in an attempt to lose altitude and align with the runway centerline, the first officer turned the airplane to the right, reduced throttle, and applied nose-down elevator. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, airspeed rapidly decreased and an excessive descent rate was observed. The captain then took control and applied full engine power to cushion the touchdown. The captain described the landing as 'firm' but within acceptable limits, noting that initial contact was made on the left main landing gear with the left wing low.
Post-Flight Actions
Both pilots stated that a postlanding inspection was not performed after the landing. Approximately 45 minutes later, the two pilots, two flight nurses, and one patient boarded the airplane for the return trip to Anchorage. Prior to departure, the first officer conducted a quick walk-around inspection of the aircraft and reported no airframe anomalies.
Damage Discovery
After arriving in Anchorage, ground personnel conducting an inspection discovered a 3-foot by 4-inch scrape on the lower portion of the left wing-tip fuel tank, along with wrinkling of the upper left wing panel adjacent to the left wing-tip fuel tank attach point.