Accident Details
The accident occurred while the airplane was on final approach to a private grass airstrip. According to the pilot, the intended landing direction was northward. The pilot described the weather as a "clear day, but with high winds." While on final approach, the pilot reported encountering "wind shear straight down." As a result, the airplane "clipped the tree tops" before impacting terrain. The airplane came to rest along a tree line near the west edge of the north-south runway.
Pilot Background
The pilot's medical and student pilot certificate had expired 20 months prior to the accident. The pilot's most recent 90-day solo endorsement was dated September 17, 2003.
Weather Conditions
The wind conditions at an airport approximately 15 nautical miles from the accident site were reported as from 200 degrees magnetic at 9 knots, gusting to 16 knots.
Pilot Comments
The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had not attempted flight in the high/gusting wind conditions or by entering final approach at a higher altitude.