Incident Summary
After completing a practice instrument approach, the pilot-in-command entered the traffic pattern to land on Runway 23. While in the pattern, the air became very turbulent. UNICOM reported the wind was from 270 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 35 knots. On final approach with flaps fully extended, the pilot initiated a go-around at approximately 50 feet above ground level and applied power to 36 inches of manifold pressure. The pilot stated that airspeed was approximately 110 knots when the aircraft encountered a severe vertical downwind shear. The aircraft struck the ground approximately 10 feet west of the runway and hit a runway light.
Witness Reports
Two witnesses noted that the aircraft appeared so slow on final approach that they went to the UNICOM to advise that the winds were now 290 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 35 knots. They said power was applied and the aircraft pitched nose down. Another witness reported heavy weather approximately 10 to 15 miles west of the airport, moving east, and rain began shortly after the accident.
Aircraft Flight Manual Note
The flight manual noted: when power is advanced for a go-around from a low power, full flap approach, a nose down pitch will occur which must be countered with aft control input.