Flight and Approach
A commercial pilot and three passengers departed on an instrument flight rules cross-country flight. While on approach to the destination airport, the pilot informed the air traffic controller that the airplane was traversing areas of moderate-to-extreme precipitation. After clearing the airplane for the approach, the controller observed the aircraft descending below its assigned altitude and issued a low altitude alert, but received no response from the pilot. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain in a level attitude approximately 12 miles from the airport.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airframe, engine, and system components revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. An area of disturbed, flattened, tall grass was located about 450 feet southwest of the accident site. Based on images of the grass, the National Weather Service estimated that wind speeds greater than 35 knots would be required to lay over the tall grass as depicted, and that a downburst/microburst event could not be ruled out. A downburst is an intense downdraft that creates strong, often damaging winds.
Weather Information and Reports
About 6 hours before the flight, the pilot obtained weather information through a mobile application. Review of weather data indicated the presence of strong winds, heavy precipitation, turbulence, and low-level wind shear (LLWS) in the area at the time of arrival, which was reflected in the information the pilot received. It is unknown if the accident pilot checked or received additional weather information before or during the accident flight. While the flight was en route, several Pilot Reports (PIREPs) were issued for the area of the accident site, which also indicated the potential of LLWS near the destination airport; however, the controller did not provide this information to the pilot, nor did he solicit PIREP information from the pilot.
Operational Context
Given the weather conditions, it is likely that the airplane encountered an intense downdraft, or downburst, which would have resulted in a sudden, major change in wind velocity. The airplane was on approach for landing and was particularly susceptible to this hazardous condition given its lower altitude and slower airspeed. The downburst likely exceeded the climb performance capabilities of the airplane and resulted in a subsequent descent into terrain. Based on published Federal Aviation Administration guidance for controllers and the widespread adverse weather conditions in the vicinity of the accident site, the controller should have both solicited PIREP information from the pilot and disseminated information from previous PIREPs to him; this would have provided the pilot with more complete information about the conditions to expect during the approach and landing at the destination.