Runway undershoot - Cirrus SR22, VH-MMG, Warnervale, New South Wales, on 25 December 2011

About 1045, Eastern Standard Time, 25 December 2011, a Cirrus Aircraft Company SR22 aircraft, registered VH-MMG, with the pilot and two passengers onboard, was on final approach from the south to land on runway 02 at Warnervale aerodrome, New South Wales. Just prior to the runway threshold, at about 30 ft above ground level, the stall warning sounded. The pilot immediately applied full engine power, but the aircraft continued to descend rapidly landing on soft ground short of the bitumen runway.

The aircraft sustained minor damage. All of the occupants exited the aircraft safely with no injuries reported.

As a result of this incident, the pilot advised that in future he would be adopting a steeper approach to runway 02. He would also increase the approach airspeed when landing into headwinds greater than 10 kts.

This serious incident demonstrates the importance of establishing wind direction and strength using all available references, including those on the ground while on approach. Ground references could better position the pilot to adjust the aircraft approach profile and airspeed to suit the weather conditions.

The incident also highlights the unexpected nature of wind gusts and the need to identify an appropriate touchdown point on the runway that provides an adequate safety margin.