The pilot reported that, while on short final approach to a back-country airstrip, approaching into a setting sun glare, he encountered a downdraft. He added that he increased power and pitched up slowly, but the "sun came lower" and blocked his vision to the runway. Subsequently, the airplane landed short of the runway in a ravine that was about 20 ft. lower than the runway.

The fuselage, wings, and elevator sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.