Incident Overview
A private pilot was maneuvering to land on a 1,200-foot-long gravel site. As part of the approach, the pilot performed a flyover of the intended landing area. During this maneuver, he selected 10 degrees of wing flaps. Shortly thereafter, he reported that a "downdraft came over the wings and stalled them both."
Impact and Damage
The airplane subsequently struck the ground in a nose-down attitude. The wreckage came to rest approximately 200 feet from the approach end of the intended landing site. Post-accident examination revealed structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot noted that no preaccident mechanical anomalies had been observed with the airplane.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the stall occurred suddenly following the application of flaps and the encounter with the downdraft. No other factors were mentioned in his report.