Accident Summary
A banner towing aircraft was involved in an accident during a go-around after completing a banner drop. The pilot had been cleared to land on runway 5. On final approach, the pilot reported noticing a large downdraft. In response, the pilot applied full power and initiated a go-around. However, the aircraft continued to descend, colliding with the ground approximately 100 feet short of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to nose over. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.
Weather Information
The accident occurred near the time of the weather observation recorded by the airport's automated surface observing system (ASOS) at 1453. The reported conditions included winds from 260 degrees at 10 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 33 degrees Celsius, dew point 22 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.80 inches of mercury. A meteorological review of upper wind data, Doppler Weather Radar images, and GOES-12 satellite images showed no significant weather in the area.
Pilot Report
The pilot's account of the event indicates that the downdraft was encountered visually. Despite applying full power for the go-around, the airplane did not arrest its descent, leading to the collision with terrain short of the runway. The pilot reported that the aircraft experienced no mechanical issues prior to or during the incident.