Event Description
During the approach, the aircraft had been descending from a cruise altitude of 7500 feet MSL at a reduced power setting. The pilot selected this configuration to avoid moderate turbulence that was present at lower altitudes. On short final, while flying over tall trees, the aircraft encountered a downdraft. The pilot stated that when he applied power to arrest the descent rate, the engine hesitated. As a result, the aircraft entered the tops of the trees.
Flight Conditions
The winds at the time were variable, ranging from 160 to 230 degrees at 15 to 26 knots. The terrain in the vicinity of the airport was hilly, which possibly contributed to mechanical turbulence. The pilot gave no indication that he ever added power at any time during the descent or initial approach.
Additional Details
Icing probability charts indicate that the conditions present were suitable for the formation of induction icing at glide power settings. No further information about the aircraft, injuries, or damage was provided in the source.