Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during an approach to a mountain airport, a downdraft caused a loss of altitude, resulting in contact with vegetation short of the runway. The pilot stated that the approach appeared normal, using the VASI as a glide slope guide. The crosswind was 10 knots at 45 degrees off the runway heading.
Airport Environment
The airport is situated on top of a mountain, with three sides bordered by steeply downsloping terrain. Runway 22 has a unique profile: the first 2,000 feet slope upward, and the remainder is level.
Sequence of Events
On short final approach to runway 22, the aircraft flew over a cliff. Immediately after, the pilot encountered a downdraft that caused a loss of 30 feet of altitude. The pilot applied full power and pitched up, but was unable to prevent the aircraft from contacting a weeded area short of the runway.
Pilot Report
The pilot noted that the 10-knot crosswind was 45 degrees off the runway heading and that the approach seemed normal using the VASI as a glide slope guide. The downdraft was encountered as the aircraft passed over the cliff on short final.