Flight and Weather Conditions
The pilot and copilot reported observing several thunderstorm cells during the flight and approach, with one cell located a few miles from the airport. Light rain fell after the accident landing, and heavy showers were observed approximately 30 minutes later.
Approach and Landing
The pilot stated that the final approach was well established with no major corrections for speed or attitude. The landing gear was down and full flaps were selected. The last airspeed indication before the threshold was 105 knots. Approaching the threshold, the pilot sensed a tailwind or downdraft, causing a dramatic increase in sink rate. Before any correction could be made, the airplane touched down approximately 30 feet short of the runway. The airplane then traveled about 1,500 feet down the runway before stopping. The pilot initially believed the main tires had blown, as directional control was maintained during the landing roll.
Witness Statement
A witness observed the aircraft on final approach low and slow at an almost level flight attitude, with no flare or very little flare. The airplane landed hard and solid, followed by a loud noise and smoke as it slid down the runway.
Flight Data Recorder Analysis
Data from the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) indicated that the airplane was descending through an indicated altitude of 1,450 feet, on a heading of 226 degrees, at an indicated airspeed of 146 knots. The heading changed to 135 degrees as the airplane descended through 225 feet, with the airspeed reading 95 knots. For about 15 seconds, the indicated airspeed was between 95 and 90 knots. In the last five seconds of the flight, airspeed decreased to 83 knots. The final recorded data showed a heading of 137 degrees, airspeed of 83 knots, and a vertical acceleration of 4 g.
Additional Information
An exterior inspection after the landing revealed damaged flaps. The left and right main landing gear had punctured through the top of the wings, and the belly of the airplane had been dragged. The nose landing gear remained partially intact. Several interior items were removed from the airplane at the time of the accident. The operator did not submit the weight and balance calculation sheet for the investigation. The pilot stated that the airplane had 3,600 pounds of fuel on board at departure. Reference to Cessna's Section IV Performance Standard Charts indicates that for a model 550 with full flaps and landing gear extended, the stall speed at 12,000 pounds gross weight is 80 knots calibrated airspeed.