Accident Sequence
During landing, the airplane encountered what the pilot described as a possible microburst. After traveling approximately 300 feet, the tail of the airplane lifted, the right wing dropped, and the propeller struck the runway. The airplane then departed the right side of the runway and struck a taxiway sign. The impact with the sign caused substantial damage to the left bottom fuselage, left elevator, and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot immediately initiated a go-around, flew the traffic pattern, and landed without further incident.
Wind Conditions
Approximately 2 minutes before the landing, the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) reported winds from 230 degrees at 3 knots. At Hayden, Colorado (249 degrees at 30 miles), conditions about 10 minutes before the event showed winds from 210 degrees at 12 knots with gusts to 17 knots. Twenty minutes earlier, winds were from 190 degrees at 12 knots with gusts to 14 knots. Ten minutes after the event, winds were reported at 210 degrees at 8 knots, with variability between 170 and 230 degrees. The airport manager reported observing "dirt devils" on the airport before and after the event.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. The airplane was not further damaged during the subsequent landing.