NTSB Factual Report

The private pilot was returning to his private airstrip after practicing landings at a local airport. He said the approach to his airstrip is over water, and as he approached the transition from over water to over land, he encountered a downdraft. The airplane touched down short of the landing area, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path during his landing approach, resulting in an undershoot and collision with terrain.