undershoot

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.

Definition

On approach and landing, to arrive short of the intended touchdown point or the runway threshold due to insufficient altitude, insufficient airspeed, or a flightpath that is too low or too shallow to reach the target.

Plain English

Coming up short — landing (or about to land) before the spot you were aiming for, often before reaching the runway itself.

Context Anchor

Used during approach and landing, especially when judging whether the airplane is on the right descent path to the runway.

Derivation

From 'under' (below or short of) plus 'shoot' (in the older sense of aiming or directing toward a target). Together it means to fall short of the target you were aiming at — in this case, the touchdown point.

Why Pilots Care

Undershooting risks hitting obstacles, terrain, or the runway lip before the threshold, leading to serious accidents.

Intuition Check