Yahoo news article

Based on its investigation — including weather reports, interviews with other pilots who flew in area that day and an examination of the wreckage — the board concluded the Bellanca was probably unable even at full power to climb out of what were likely downdrafts of at least 400 feet per minute. The report estimates the Bellanca's climb capability was about 300 feet per minute. Winds were gusting at the time at an estimated 29 to 35 miles per hour.