Accident Flight
The pilot departed from Roche Harbor with a ceiling of about 700 feet above ground level (AGL), which remained consistent along the route. Upon arrival at Blakely Island, low-level stratus clouds were observed near the north end of the runway. Although the pilot intended to land on runway 19, the presence of clouds prompted him to proceed to the south end of the airport and land to the north on runway 01.
Landing
While on short final for runway 01, the aircraft encountered an area of downdrafts. The pilot added power in an attempt to adjust the sink rate, but the remedial actions were insufficient. The aircraft landed very hard just off the end of the paved surface.
Aircraft Damage
Upon contact with the terrain, the landing gear collapsed, and the wings were bent upwards. The aircraft then slid onto the paved runway surface and came to a stop.
Pilot's Remarks
The pilot reported that there did not seem to be any problems with the aircraft's engines or flight control systems. He further noted that due to known turbulent air and downdrafts off the south end of the runway, only a few of the "several hundred" landings he has made at Blakely Island were conducted on runway 01.