Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during a visual approach, at approximately 300 feet above ground level, the airplane began to sink rapidly. The pilot applied full power and barely cleared a drop-off on the approach end of the runway. The stall warning horn was sounding at the time. The right wing dropped, and the airplane contacted the runway, veering to the right before coming to rest off the right edge of the runway. In a statement to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that he encountered a downdraft, applied power, but lacked sufficient altitude to recover.
Examination
An examination of the accident scene revealed that the airplane struck the south side of a service road located 24 feet from the approach end of the runway. The impact caused substantial damage to the right wing, right main landing gear, and fuselage. The airplane then veered across the approach end of the runway and came to rest off the right side. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the engine and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies.
Weather Conditions
Approximately 30 minutes after the accident, the Aviation Routine Weather Report for Durango/La Plata County Airport, located 7 nautical miles southeast of the accident scene, reported winds from 340 degrees at 10 knots, clear skies, visibility of 10 statute miles, temperature 82 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 35 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.27 inches of mercury. Remarks included a peak wind of 330 degrees at 32 knots occurring approximately 3 minutes before the accident, as well as lightning and thunderstorms northeast, south, and southwest of the airport.