Incident Summary
A commercial pilot with approximately 3,000 hours of flight experience was conducting an instrument approach to an airport. Air Traffic Control cleared the pilot to a VOR and hold as published, then cleared a descent to 2,000 feet and an approach to runway 32. During the approach, the pilot extended the landing gear and slowed the airplane to 90 knots.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that he expected a circling approach to runway 14 after hearing the control tower clear another airplane for departure on that runway. After descending below the clouds, the pilot had the airport in sight and proceeded toward the runway. According to the pilot, "all of a sudden, in seconds, the right wing went up, and the left wing went down, and I applied power but could not climb." The airplane subsequently impacted an open field just south of the airport. The pilot chose to reduce power and stay on the ground instead of attempting to regain altitude, citing the risk of colliding with trees on the approach to the runway. The pilot reported that he believed he encountered a downdraft.
Investigation
An inspection of the engine was conducted following the accident. No abnormalities were found that would have prevented normal operation.