Accident Details
A student pilot was operating an airplane as a light-sport pilot on a final approach to runway 22 at an airport with a 3,120-foot by 24-foot asphalt runway. The pilot stated that the airplane "was caught in a downdraft/wind shear and was not able to clear perimeter fence, even with application of full power."
Terrain and Weather Factors
The pilot reported a small valley to the northeast of the airport which "probably caused the downdraft." A local weather reporting station indicated that the winds were from 260 degrees magnetic at 4 knots at the time of the accident.
Sequence of Events
An on-scene investigation revealed that the airplane first impacted the radio-antenna of a passenger vehicle operating on the road adjacent to the airport. Subsequently, the airplane struck a rising embankment and proceeded through the airport perimeter fence, coming to rest short of the approach threshold.
Pilot Documentation
The student pilot was flying with an expired 90-day solo endorsement and did not have a medical certificate at the time of the accident.