"Sink rate"......in other words, if you continue to sink at the current rate, you will impact the ground before you reach the runway. I think the modern planes even have a line or a range marker on their flight display that graphically SHOWS you where you will intersect with the ground. ideally that would be on the runway. They also use that feature to help them level out at their assigned altitude. It's a great tool.
i.e. you are going to crash
Why didn't the crew pull out? No fuel?
I have also seen fatigue mentioned.
UPS in the UK are not bothered about employees being fatigued, why should it be different in the States?
