What happened
During the approach phase, the pilot encountered wind conditions consisting of 15-knot sustained winds with gusts up to 20 knots. To manage these conditions, the pilot increased the approach speed to between 98 and 102 mph, rather than the standard 87 mph, and utilized full flaps. To compensate for the crosswind, the pilot performed a sideslip maneuver.
As the aircraft approached the runway, it passed over a dirtbank measuring approximately 15 to 20 feet in height located short of the runway. Upon flying over this feature, the aircraft encountered a downdraft, resulting in an abrupt loss of 30 feet of altitude. In the attempt to recover from the altitude loss, the right main landing gear struck the dirtbank. The impact was severe enough to separate the landing gear from the aircraft. Following the separation, the aircraft continued its approach and landed on the runway, eventually sliding to a stop.
All occupants were not injured.