Incident Overview
While circling the Mile Hi United States Forest Service emergency airstrip to observe another aircraft accident, the pilot experienced lee side winds (downdraft). This resulted in a loss of altitude, and the pilot ultimately had to flare to land. The pilot's intention was to coast upslope and southbound over the ridge on which the north/south strip is situated, then take off on the upwind side.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft reached the top of the ridge, it encountered an upslope wind that yawed the aircraft to the right. The aircraft then became airborne again, crossing the top of the ridge and impacting the ground. The left main landing gear collapsed upon impact.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot estimated the winds at the accident site as 130 to 140 degrees at 5 to 10 knots, with a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The approximate density altitude, based on that temperature and elevation, was 8,700 feet.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the left main landing gear, which collapsed during the impact.