Incident Overview
The pilot of a single-engine airplane was conducting a visual approach to runway 24 upon arrival in the airport area. The tower controller then asked if the pilot could accept a visual approach to runway 15, to which the pilot agreed. After turning left toward the runway, the pilot reduced speed to approximately 90 knots and performed S-turns to lose altitude.
Loss of Control
During the final approach, the pilot recalled that the airplane suddenly and without warning experienced a left wing drop. The pilot was unable to control the airplane with aileron inputs. The engine was producing power at all times, and full power was applied when the left wing dropped. The airplane descended and impacted the ground about 900 feet prior to the runway threshold.
Pilot's Account
In a subsequent statement, the pilot reported that approximately 15 seconds before landing, the airplane encountered wind shear. The pilot described that "one wing went down, one wing went up" and the ailerons did not seem to respond. One wing struck a tree, and the airplane landed in bushes before reaching the runway.
Weather and ATC Information
According to an air traffic controller, winds were fluctuating with gusts to 20 knots, and there were no reports of wind shear prior to the accident. The reported winds at the airport around the time of the accident were from 150 degrees at 14 knots.