What happened
During the final approach to the runway, the pilot encountered an extremely intense wind shear downdraft while at an altitude of approximately 30 to 50 feet above the ground. The force of the downdraft was so significant that all loose objects within the cockpit were lifted to the ceiling.
At the time of the accident, visual meteorological conditions were in effect; however, the aircraft was operating in high winds of 30 knots, with gusts reaching 41 knots. The pilot believed the aircraft was crabbing during touchdown. Upon landing, the resulting side forces caused the right main landing gear to fail, breaking the component above the wheel/axle casting.
Control tower personnel who witnessed the arrival described the event as a very hard landing. The impact caused structural damage to the aircraft, including buckling of the right wing and buckling at the rear of the cabin. There were no injuries reported.