FTW94IA035

While conducting an ILS approach, the aircraft picked up a high sink rate and loss of airspeed as the aircraft approached 200 feet AGL. The crew applied full power and rotated the aircraft, but the sink rate continued and the aircraft landed approximately 500 feet short of the runway in the approach light zone. Following touch down, the aircraft rolled onto the runway and was stopped by the crew. An emergency evacuation was conducted without event. Immediately preceding this event a thunderstorm had passed over the airport.

History of flight

On November 16, 1993, at 1750 central standard time, a Grumman G159, N806W, using the call sign JUD806, and operated by the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (USINS), landed approximately 500 feet short of runway 26 at Esler Field, Pineville, Louisiana, while conducting an ILS approach. There were no injuries to the 15 passengers and crew of 5, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. The flight originated from Tallahassee, Florida, at 1550 central standard time. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was on file.

According to witnesses and the crew, a thunderstorm had just passed over the field and rain with low visibility was present. The crew stated that as they approached decision height (200 feet AGL) they lost in excess of 25 knots of indicated airspeed almost instantaneously and the aircraft rate of descent increased. The crew said that rotation and application of power had no effect and the aircraft impacted the ground and approach lighting system, coming to rest on the runway surface. An emergency evacuation was conducted by the crew without event.

Meteorological information

Weather given to the aircraft by Houston Center prior to commencing the approach is depicted in this document under METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION. A weather observation, taken at Esler Field immediately following the incident, was as follows:

10 Sct M21 ovc 1TRW+f 165/69/67/2715G24/002/TB48 ovhd movg NE ltgiccg

According to ground witnesses, winds at the time of the accident were changing rapidly in both direction and velocity, and visibility varied with rain intensity.

Communications

Pertinent portions of communications transcripts with Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center and Esler Tower are attached, as are controller statements.

Aerodrome information

A flight check of the terminal navigation facility was conducted following the incident, and was compared with the previous routine flight check for abnormalities. According to the attached flight check reports, the facility was operating within normal parameters.

Flight recorders

The aircraft was equipped with both a cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder; however, neither was operating at the time of the incident, and they are not required to be operational for public use aircraft.

Wreckage and impact information

A series of gouges was found 500 feet short of the threshold, in the approach zone, consistent with the aircraft landing gear foot print. Seventy feet beyond these marks, a set of five approach lights was destroyed. There were no marks for approximately 50 feet, then gouge marks were found followed by damage to another set of approach lights. Gouge marks extended from this set of approach lights to the runway threshold.

Examination of the aircraft by the Investigator In Charge, provided the following evidence. The left propeller was nicked and gouged, there were numerous gouges and holes in the right flap, and the nose landing gear was distorted.

Medical and pathological information

Both pilots submitted to a urine analysis drug/alcohol screen as required in Immigration and Naturalization Service policy. Both tests were negative, and documentation of the tests is attached.

Tests and research

A review of training and standardization information was conducted with emphasis on weather, microburst, windshear, and cockpit resource management. Attached is information concerning promulgation in this regard.

Additional information

The wreckage was released to the Chief Pilot for the USINS on November 18, 1993. No parts were retained.