20000305010139A

(-23) The pilot stated that on final approach to the runway, he closed the throttle to idle at approximately 400 feet. He stated that he was unable to arrest the resulting sink rate with full power, and the aircraft touched down approximately one foot short of the runway, collapsing left main landing gear. When the gear collapsed the wing spar was damaged when the wing struck the ground. Very minor damage was observed to the left flap just behind the wheel well. No other damage was observed to left or right wing flaps. The pilot said he did not remember positively verifying the aircraft flap position on final approach. He said he usually flies approaches in the aircraft with full flaps. He said he remember ed observing the flaps were up when he exited the aircraft after it came to rest. He also said he believes the aircraft descended at a faster rate than expected because he may have used speeds appropriate for full flaps when flaps might not have extended. He stated that he closed the throttle at 400 feet, and the rate of aircraft descent could not be slowed adequately when he added full power. The pilot was counseled by this office, and no further action is required. This closes the investigation.