Just before touchdown, what is the state of the airplane?

The state of the airplane just before touchdown is best characterized by being stalled about one foot above the runway. In the final stages of landing, particularly in a normal landing approach, the aircraft is typically in a low-speed, controlled descent as it nears the runway.

Being "stalled" indicates that the aircraft has reached a critical angle of attack where the smooth airflow over the wings begins to separate, resulting in a loss of lift. In the scenario described, being one foot above the runway suggests that the pilot has not yet established a proper landing attitude or might be experiencing an excessively high pitch.

This situation is particularly significant since maintaining a safe angle of attack and airspeed until touchdown is crucial. If an aircraft stalls just above the runway, it can lead to various issues upon landing, including a hard touchdown or a loss of control if not managed properly. Recognizing and understanding this state emphasizes the importance of proper landing techniques and awareness of the aircraft's attitude and performance during the landing phase.