Aircraft sudden descent during final approach

No fatalities • Lanai, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and impacted the runway during its final approach following a period of thunderstorm activity.

What happened

During the final stages of an approach to the airport, the pilot reported maintaining a normal approach procedure with an indicated airspeed of 100 knots. Environmental conditions at the time included winds originating from 110 degrees at approximately 10 knots. As the aircraft reached the short final phase, the pilot encountered a significant gust of wind from the right side of the aircraft.

After the pilot performed corrections to compensate for this wind gust, the aircraft experienced a sudden and severe drop toward the runway surface. This descent occurred without prior warning to the crew. Eyewitnesses on the ground observed that the approach appeared routine until the moment the aircraft descended sharply and bounced upon contact with the runway.

Findings

Reports indicate that a thunderstorm had moved through the immediate vicinity just before the aircraft began its approach. The pilot noted that a windshear encounter is the suspected cause of the sudden loss of altitude and subsequent impact.

Probable cause

A sudden loss of altitude caused by a suspected windshear encounter during the final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-02-14 Beechcraft H18 accident near Lanai, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and impacted the runway during its final approach following a period of thunderstorm activity.

Were there any fatalities in the 1992-02-14 Beechcraft H18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-02-14 involved a Beechcraft H18, registration N33AP, operated by Polynesian Airways, at Lanai, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A sudden loss of altitude caused by a suspected windshear encounter during the final approach.

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