Incident Description
During a flight in the practice area, the aircraft was on base leg when a downdraft was encountered. This led to an undershoot, and a high sink rate developed. The pilot did not take corrective action soon enough. The aircraft struck the ground, rolled a short distance through bushes, and crossed a two-foot gulley before coming to rest.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that a downdraft was the cause of the undershoot. He acknowledged that a high sink rate developed and that he did not take corrective action in time. The pilot's account attributes the event to an unexpected atmospheric condition.
Passenger Statement
The passenger provided a contrasting account. He stated that the pilot intentionally entered a spin while in the practice area to show off. Additionally, the passenger indicated that the pilot made a rather rapid descent by using spoilers, which exceeded the limits of the vertical speed indicator. This suggests a deliberate maneuver rather than an inadvertent downdraft.
Aftermath
The aircraft rolled through bushes and across a two-foot gulley before stopping. The source did not specify any injuries or damage beyond the described ground impact. No details were given regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupant condition.