Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while on final approach, which resulted in a collision with a runway approach light.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while on short final approach, he felt a “sudden loss of altitude”. Before the pilot could make a correction, the left wing collided with a runway approach light. The airplane subsequently landed short, slid through the overrun area, and came to a rest at the displaced threshold, resulting in substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.