Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during final approach and attempted go-around after encountering a sudden windshear.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was attempting to land at his private airstrip when the airplane encountered an unexpected “windshear” and a greater than anticipated descent rate. The pilot attempted a go-around; however, the airplane was unable to sufficiently climb before it impacted a fence pole adjacent to the grass airstrip. The airplane came to rest upright and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left elevator control surface. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that he should have utilized better energy management given the wind conditions.