Incident Overview
The flightcrew reported that during a visual approach for runway 10, they requested and received wind and altimeter information from the control tower approximately 8 miles out. The altimeter setting was 29.95 inches Hg, and winds were from 090 degrees at 20 knots. About 5 miles from the runway, while in full landing configuration, the crew checked wind conditions again and were advised winds from 090 degrees at 16 knots. They were holding a reference speed (Vref) of 125 knots plus an additional 10 knots on final approach.
Sequence of Events
The approach proceeded normally until the aircraft encountered a downdraft on short final. The airplane began to sink, and the flightcrew responded by immediately adding engine power and increasing pitch. Despite these actions, the airplane continued to sink. The main landing gear made contact with the top of barbwire fencing at the approach end of the runway. The airplane subsequently landed short of the threshold. During the rollout, the aircraft remained under control, and the crew taxied to the ramp.
Weather Conditions
A special weather observation was taken at the Vance W. Amory International Airport at 1930, approximately 10 minutes after the incident. The observation recorded winds from 090 degrees at 15 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 2,000 feet, temperature 27 degrees Celsius, dewpoint temperature 23 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches Hg.