Incident Overview
A pilot flying an aircraft overflew an airport perpendicular to the runway before initiating a left turn to enter the traffic pattern. The sequence continued with a turn to base leg and then a turn to final approach.
Maneuvering and Powerline Avoidance
During the turn to final, the pilot increased the angle of bank. This action was intended to align the airplane with the runway and to remain clear of powerlines that were running parallel to the runway.
Onset of Buffet and Control Inputs
While in the turn, the airplane began to experience a slight buffet. In response, full power was immediately applied. However, the flight controls subsequently softened. The pilot, sensing an approaching stall, neutralized the controls.
Impact
The airplane impacted a plowed field approximately 100 feet short of the runway.