Primary finding
Probable cause
An encounter with a downdraft, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the airplane reported that, during final approach to the runway, the airplane was too low. The airplane then encountered a downdraft and landed hard at the approach end of the runway. As a result, the nose and right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.