Electrically powered RC planes and helicopters typically use LiPo batteries. These very attractive batteries have their voltage dropped very quickly when they’re empty. The better the battery is, the quicker the voltage drops at the end, and the motor controller (or electronic speed controller, ESC) shuts down the motor to prevent damage to the battery. You probably don’t have enough power anymore to do your approach.
You don’t exactly know when you’re battery will be empty. You only notice it when it’s too late: No more power to land safely.