What happened
The pilot, acting as pilot in command, was conducting a practice instrument approach and subsequently entered the traffic pattern to land on runway 23. During the time spent in the pattern, atmospheric conditions deteriorated significantly, with the air becoming very turbulent. Communications with UNICOM indicated that wind speeds were from 270 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts reaching 35 knots.
On final approach, with flaps fully extended, the pilot initiated a go-around at approximately 50 feet above ground level (AGL). Power was advanced to 36 inches of manifold pressure. The pilot reported that the 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 collided with a runway light.
Two witnesses observed the approach, noting that the aircraft appeared to be moving unusually slowly on final. They contacted UNICOM to report that winds had shifted to 290 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 35 knots. Witnesses stated that power was applied and the aircraft pitched nose down. Another witness reported heavy weather approximately 10 to 15 miles west of the airport, moving eastward, with rain beginning shortly after the accident.
The flight manual for this aircraft type notes that when power is advanced for a go-around from a low-power, full-flap approach, a nose-down pitch will occur. This maneuver requires the pilot to apply aft control input to counteract the pitch change.