Accident Details
According to a written statement by the pilot, while entering the traffic pattern at the destination airport, an airport advisory reported winds from 280 degrees at 10 to 12 knots. During final approach, the pilot observed that the winds were causing the airplane to oscillate but did not consider the condition significant enough to execute a go-around.
As the airplane descended to about 5 to 10 feet above the runway surface, it encountered a wind shear that pushed the left wing downward. The pilot attempted to counteract the wind but was unsuccessful. The airplane ground looped, with the left wing contacting the ground, and came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway.
Pilot Comments
In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report (Form 6120.1/2), under the section titled "RECOMMENDATION," the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by performing an overflight of the airport to ascertain proper wind direction and speed. The pilot also noted that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.
Weather Information
A routine aviation weather report (METAR) from Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Palm Springs, California, located 9 nautical miles southeast of the accident site, indicated that about 20 minutes after the accident, winds were from 350 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 19 knots.