On August 6, 1996, about 1430 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 185 airplane, N8536L, sustained substantial damage while landing at a rural, partially improved gravel airstrip situated in a valley, approximately 73 miles south of Kaktovik, Alaska. The private pilot/airplane owner and the sole passenger aboard were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. A VFR flight plan was filed. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on August 13, the pilot stated that he was attempting to land to the south on the narrow 1,300' long strip. He said he estimated the winds as approximately 15 knots from the south. While on short final approach, the pilot said the airplane began to sink rapidly, and despite the application of power, continued to sink until it landed hard and bounced. He said he added full power, bounced again on the runway, and then went off the runway and into the adjoining willow trees. The airplane received damage to the wings, fuselage, and empenage. The pilot said he believed either a wind shear or a loss of headwind caused the airplane to sink rapidly.