PA-28R Cherokee Arrow All Series
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 180; Flight Crew Total 4500; Flight Crew Type 50
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Other / Unknown
Deviation - Altitude Undershoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Human Factors; Weather
While on the GPS approach to Runway 19; there was virga between the FAF and the runway. While entering the precipitation; the plane entered a downdraft of -500 feet per minute. I added power and attempted to maintain a constant rate of descent; and a few seconds later air traffic control called a low altitude alert. The altimeter indicated 400 feet; about 3/4 from the airport. By this point visual contact with the airport was made; I acknowledged the report from air traffic control; and landed without further incident.
PA28 pilot reported receiving low altitude alert from ATC while in downdraft; below approach altitude.