Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that while on short final approach to an airport located in a bowl-shaped depression and surrounded by trees on all sides, the aircraft encountered turbulence and a downdraft. Despite applying full power, the pilot was unable to arrest the descent, and the landing gear collided with the airport boundary fence.
Passenger Accounts
The aircraft owner, who was on board as a passenger, and a second passenger both stated that on final approach the air was very turbulent, especially when the aircraft descended below the tops of the trees surrounding the airport. The aircraft owner stated that he thought the aircraft encountered a low-level windshear caused by the trees.
Weather Conditions
The closest official weather reporting station, located 49 miles northwest of the airport, reported winds from 240 degrees at 18 knots, with gusts to 27 knots at the time of the accident.