B757-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 15500
Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
On short final; approximately 1;500 feet AGL with gear down and Flaps 20; the Master Caution sounded and EICAS showed 'L HYD SYS PRESS' caution with associated failures.  I immediately checked the status page and it showed 0.06 for left system quantity.  With the aircraft configured for landing as such; and after adjusting our VREF for Flaps 20; I elected to continue with the landing and not complicate things with a go-around with left system failure (the system that powers gear; flaps/slats; etc. on 757s).  We continued with the visual approach to landing on Runway 36L (12;000 foot runway).  Normal landing and roll-out on the runway.  We exited the runway and stopped the aircraft on the taxiway. Advised Ground Control that we would have to remain where we were and be towed to the gate due to loss of nose wheel steering.  We also declared an emergency with Ground and asked for Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighters (ARFF).  We were inspected by both ARFF and an airfield assistance person.  Both reported that we had quite a bit of hydraulic fluid under the belly.  We were towed to the gate by one of our company's tugs with an ARFF escort.  No further problems.  I would like to offer special recognition to my First Officer who was flying the plane when the event occurred.  He continued flying the plane (I did not want to change aircraft control that late in the game) and did an excellent job concentrating on the task at hand despite numerous distractions from the aircraft warning system.  He not only made a beautiful landing; but continued to offer helpful suggestions; guidance; and assistance throughout the event.  Except for the PA after we stopped the aircraft; no one on the aircraft except the First Officer and I even knew there was a problem.
After the landing gear was extended and Flaps 20 set; a B757 EICAS alerted L HYD SYS PRESS and associated system failures were displayed so the crew continued the approach to a normal landing but requested ARFF assistance to the gate.