Accident Details
The pilot was landing a Pilatus PC-12 on runway 32 at an airport located in a mountainous area. The runway was 2,900 feet long and 50 feet wide, with an asphalt surface. While on final approach, the pilot reported encountering updrafts and downdrafts. After touchdown, the right wing lifted, and the airplane became airborne again. The pilot flew back toward the center of the runway and touched down again; however, a gust of wind caused the airplane to veer to the left. The left wing struck an embankment off the left side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage. The airplane came to rest on the embankment approximately 150 feet before the end of the runway.
Pilot Experience
The pilot reported 3,790 hours of total flight experience, including 1,040 hours accumulated in the same make and model as the accident airplane. He stated that he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions of the airplane.
Weather Conditions
Winds reported at an airport located about 39 miles northeast of the accident site, around the time of the accident, were from 300 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 26 knots.