Approach and Landing
The private pilot was conducting a full-stop landing at a private airstrip with a gravel runway measuring 2,200 feet in length and 40 feet in width. The final approach path to the runway threshold passes over a small pond.
During the first landing attempt, the pilot described the approach as too steep and executed a go-around. On the second approach, the aircraft was positioned about 50 to 100 feet lower than the normal approach path. Over the pond, the airplane encountered a downdraft. The pilot added engine power, but the airplane continued to descend. It touched down on the main landing gear approximately 300 feet short of the runway threshold.
Post-Impact Events
Upon ground contact, the nose wheel collapsed. The pilot reported that the cockpit immediately filled with smoke. She exited the airplane through the right door. The fuselage of the airplane was subsequently consumed by fire.