Incident Details
An aircraft was on approach to runway 18 at Okiwi, New Zealand, when it encountered windshear on short final as the pilot reduced power to land. The pilot reported that despite increasing the approach speed to 70 knots in accordance with company standard operating procedures due to fluctuating wind conditions, the airspeed reduced rapidly and significantly at an altitude of 10 to 15 feet above ground level, leaving little time to react.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft landed heavily, causing damage to both landing gear oleos and one brake unit. Rippling was found on the upper and lower skin of each wing. One passenger sustained a back injury that was later identified as a fractured vertebra.
Pilot Actions
The pilot was aware of fluctuating wind conditions at Okiwi and had increased the approach speed as per company procedures. However, the sudden airspeed reduction on short final prevented the pilot from arresting the descent rate.