What happened
While inbound to runway 19R, the pilot monitored the ATIS, which reported winds from 230 degrees at 12 knots. During the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot observed a twin-engine aircraft landing and noted its crab angle due to crosswind effects. The pilot stated that no gust advisories were heard from the local controller while operating in the pattern.
As the aircraft reached approximately 50 feet above the runway, the crew encountered a strong downdraft. This encounter caused the aircraft to descend to the runway and then rise back to approximately 40 feet AGL. The pilot attempted a go-around; however, the aircraft contacted the ground near the edge of the runway. The aircraft subsequently left the pavement and entered the grass area situated between the runways. During the excursion, the aircraft collided with several runway signs, resulting in the landing gear being sheared off.
Radio communication transcripts show the aircraft was sequenced behind another plane and received clearance to land at 1340:37. At 1341:39, the controller broadcast wind information of 240 degrees at 12 knots in response to a request from a different aircraft. The official weather observation recorded immediately following the accident indicated winds from 270 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots.