Accident Overview
According to the pilot, the airplane took off and climbed to an altitude of 200 feet. When approximately 500 feet from the end of the runway, the pilot encountered what he described as "wind shear" or a "downdraft." He attempted to land in a field, but the descent rate forced him into a gravel pit, where the airplane collided with terrain.
Weather and Performance Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind was from 230 degrees at 19 knots, with gusts to 26 knots. The density altitude was computed to be 8,164 feet above mean sea level. The "Rate of Climb vs Density Altitude" performance chart indicates that between 1,950 pounds and 2,150 pounds gross weight, the airplane will climb between 350 and 430 feet per minute. The airplane was estimated to weigh between 1,950 and 2,150 pounds at the time of the accident.