Incident Overview
During a short final approach with flaps set to 30 degrees and an airspeed of 80 miles per hour, the aircraft encountered a downdraft. The aircraft subsequently contacted trees and descended to the terrain.
Wind Conditions
The pilot reported that at the time of the occurrence, local winds were shifting from 290 degrees to 330 degrees, with a sustained speed of 20 knots gusting to 30 knots.
Approach Considerations
The approach to runway 33 was conducted over trees. This approach was known to be turbulent when gusty wind conditions existed.
Sequence of Events
While on short final, the aircraft was configured with 30 degrees of flaps and maintaining an indicated airspeed of 80 mph. As it approached the runway threshold, the aircraft encountered a downdraft, causing it to descend into trees before reaching the ground.