Weather Briefing and En Route
The pilot received a weather briefing before departing from Waukegan, Illinois. At the destination airport in Woodruff, Wisconsin, the forecast called for visual flight rules (VFR) conditions, with light rain and a chance of scattered thunderstorms. While en route, the pilot checked the weather again and spoke with another pilot who had just flown along the intended route. The destination remained VFR as forecasted.
Thunderstorm Encounter and Recovery
Before arrival, the aircraft entered clouds and proceeded into an area of thunderstorms. The pilot reported that the radar was painting heavy cells over the airport and in all directions. The pilot then started to divert. Shortly after reversing course, the aircraft encountered a strong downdraft. The pilot added power and raised the nose. The pilot reported, 'We were pulled up into a stall.' At this point, the aircraft entered a near-vertical dive. During recovery, the left wing hit a tree, but the aircraft continued to fly. By then, the aircraft was out of the clouds, and the pilot flew to the original destination and landed.
Landing and Gear Failure
During the landing, the left gear was 'shuttering.' The aircraft then began to skid, went off the runway, and the left gear failed.