What happened
During a scheduled air taxi operation, a pilot was performing a landing approach at a remote airfield. While descending through 500 feet, the aircraft encountered moderate turbulence and a sudden increase in the rate of descent. In an attempt to stabilize the descent, the pilot increased engine power. As the aircraft turned toward the runway, it experienced several rolling oscillations, with bank angles reaching as much as 90 degrees.
The twin-engine turboprop impacted the runway approximately 1,200 feet from the approach end. The impact occurred with the left wing and left elevator while the aircraft was yawed 45 degrees left of the runway centerline. Following the collision, the aircraft slid off the left side of the runway. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported as the pilot successfully evacuated the passengers. After the event, the pilot observed that the windsock indicated a tailwind.
Findings
Investigation into the event noted that the airport's official remarks warn that easterly winds can create severe turbulence near the runway. At the time of the approach, the windsock indicated winds originating from the east at approximately 25 knots.