What happened
While conducting a visual approach to runway 10 at Vance W. Amory International Airport, the flightcrew requested updated meteorological information from the control tower. At approximately 8 miles from the runway, the crew received an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches Hg. and wind reports of 090 degrees at 20 knots. As the aircraft reached 5 miles from the runway in a full landing configuration, the crew performed a second wind check, which indicated winds of 090 degrees at 16 knots. The crew maintained a target approach speed of 135 knots.
During the short final phase of the approach, the aircraft encountered a downdraft. In response to the sudden loss of altitude, the crew applied increased engine power and adjusted the pitch; however, the descent continued. The main landing gear struck the top of a barbed-wire fence located at the approach end of the runway, causing the aircraft to land short of the runway threshold. Following the impact, the aircraft remained under control during the rollout and was able to taxi to the airport ramp.
Findings
An official weather observation recorded at the airport ten minutes after the event noted winds of 090 degrees at 15 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, and scattered clouds at 2,000 feet. The incident resulted in zero fatalities and zero injuries.