Accident Rans S-6ES N5144X, Sunday 21 April 1996

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Date:	Sunday 21 April 1996
Time:	20:45 LT
Type:	Rans S-6ES
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N5144X
MSN:	1092365
Total airframe hrs:	155 hours
Engine model:	Rotax 582
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Bayou La Batre, AL - United States of America
Phase:	Approach
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	(5R7)
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot reported that the airplane encountered gusty wind and a downdraft on final approach to runway 18. Subsequently, the airplane struck trees short of the runway threshold.

Probable Cause: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. The gusty/crosswind condition was a related factor.

Accident investigation: