Event Sequence
The airplane landed hard and short of the runway, impacting a berm. It then became airborne briefly before colliding with multiple obstacles. The pilot stated that while on short final, the airplane experienced a severe downdraft that pushed it to the ground. After the initial impact with the berm, the pilot intended to keep the airplane on the ground and stop.
Pilot and Passenger Actions
The pilot-rated passenger was flying the airplane and overshot the final approach course. The pilot then took over control and continued the approach at 75 knots with one notch of flaps extended. During the hard landing, the passenger grabbed the controls, applied full power, and pulled aft on the control yoke in an attempt to abort the landing. As the pilot fought with the passenger for control, the airplane experienced a power-on stall and drifted to the left before impacting the ground again multiple times. The pilot subsequently reduced engine power and stopped the airplane.
Weather Conditions
The weather observation facilities closest to the accident airport reported wind between 8 and 11 knots.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine prior to the accident.