What happened
During an approach to the 410-metre runway at Bambu Airstrip, the pilot observed the windsock indicating movement but assessed the wind conditions as being largely calm. As the aircraft was performing the flare maneuver, it was intercepted by a sudden updraft. This atmospheric disturbance caused the aircraft to touch down too far along the runway's length.
Due to the remaining distance being insufficient to decelerate, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and came to a stop within nearby vegetation. There were no injuries reported among the four occupants on board. The aircraft sustained damage that resulted in it being a total loss.
At the time of the incident, the weather was characterized by good visibility beneath an overcast ceiling of 8,000 feet. The Bambu runway is noted for its short length and a steep gradient of 9.25%.
Findings
Analysis of the event suggests that the pilot failed to execute a go-around procedure when it became apparent that a safe landing could not be achieved. The primary contributing factor was the sudden updraft during the landing flare, which displaced the touchdown point too far down the runway.