What happened
The pilot reported encountering significant downdrafts while on short final approach to the airport. These atmospheric conditions caused the airplane's rate of descent to increase unexpectedly. In an effort to counteract the increased vertical descent rate, the pilot attempted to compensate by adding engine power.
As the engine power was being increased, the airplane collided with a cornfield. The impact occurred at an estimated distance of 340 feet short of the runway threshold. No further details regarding injuries or specific aircraft damage were provided in the source text.
The investigation
The source text does not contain specific findings from a mechanical examination or detailed investigative analysis beyond the pilot's report of the events leading to the accident.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the encounter with downdrafts during the final approach phase. The subsequent loss of altitude control, despite power application, led to the collision with terrain.