What happened
The pilot originally planned to land at Oceanside but diverted to Fallbrook, California, due to weather conditions. While turning onto the final approach course, the pilot observed that the Cessna was following the glide path indicated by the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) and proceeded to complete the before-landing checklist.
During the approach, the pilot noticed the VASI lights had turned red, signaling that the aircraft was below the correct glide path. In an attempt to correct the descent, the pilot applied full power and pulled up on the controls. However, the aircraft struck the ground approximately 20 feet short of the runway. The impact was severe enough to separate the landing gear from the airplane. The pilot was not injured during the accident.
According to statements provided to FAA inspectors, the pilot had misjudged the visual approach.