Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a landing attempt, a microburst caused the aircraft to lose directional control, resulting in it exiting the runway and striking a bush. The pilot had initially overflown the runway to assess wind direction and speed, noting that the windsock was in tatters and he could not determine the wind volume, though he said the wind was aligned with the runway.
Landing and Control Loss
Setting up for a short field landing with 40 degrees of flaps, the pilot stated that as he flared for touchdown, a microburst lifted the right wing. He was unable to regain directional control of the airplane before it departed the runway and struck a bush.
Passenger Involvement
A local police officer who interviewed the pilot reported that the pilot stated he asked his passenger to raise the flaps while he powered up the engine while airborne, in an attempt to regain control of the aircraft.
Post-Accident Observations
The officer, upon arriving shortly after the accident, noted that the wind was very strong and that the windsock was horizontal to the ground.
Investigation Status
No further details from the investigation have been released at this time.