Definition 1 of 2
Definition
To touch down short of the intended landing point on a runway. An undershoot occurs when the aircraft's flight path falls below the planned approach path and the aircraft contacts the ground before reaching the runway threshold or selected aim point.
Plain English
Landing short of where you meant to land. The aircraft comes down before it reaches the runway or the spot you were aiming for.
Context Anchor
Used during landing approaches, especially when judging whether the aircraft will reach the runway or selected landing spot.
Derivation
From 'under' (below) plus 'shoot' (to send forward toward a target). The image is of a projectile falling short of its mark — here, the aircraft falling short of the intended landing spot.
Why Pilots Care
Touching down short of the runway risks collisions with obstacles, runway excursions, or the need for an immediate go-around.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse undershoot with landing long. Undershoot means falling short of the intended landing point.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot recognised the undershoot developing on short final and added power to reach the runway threshold.
Example Sentence 2
Strong headwinds forced the airplane to undershoot its planned touchdown point, requiring a go-around.