“Altimeter set incorrectly?”
That’s what I was wondering.
Is there someone with a pilot’s license who can say if this happens sometimes?
Single / Multi Instrument/Commercial pilot here. As the approach continued it looked like he was stable albeit a little faster than normal (Black Boxes will confirm) due to the crosswinds and gusty conditions. I suspect the investigation will show a sudden loss of headwind while on very short final with inadequate altitude to make any correction such as adding power and executing a go-around. They may question the decision to begin the approach given the wind conditions but I’m not privy to what the pilot knew about that. I suspect the reported winds were within landing parameters UNTIL the wind shear resulted in sudden drop of wind coming across the wings and acute loss of altitude and hard landing. Would not criticize until the full investigation is complete.
Agreed, it’s too early to say the exact cause but wind shear can’t be ruled out - can cause “the bottom to drop out” close to the ground.
Not a chance the altimeter had anything to do with it - once they break out of the clouds (assuming they intend to land) they go visual with glances inside for airspeed and descent rate.
This landing was WAY too hard, but blowing snow can create illusions in visual cues - or if they were very slow, the flare would not arrest the descent rate enough, or at all (and the sudden loss in airspeed could have been due to a gust).