Incident
A commercial certificated pilot, also serving as a hunting guide, was landing a plane on a remote airstrip located on a mountain ridge. The purpose of the flight was to establish a camp for hunting clients. The pilot was accompanied by an assistant guide.
Airstrip
The landing strip is oriented north-south at an elevation of 3,500 feet above mean sea level. It measures 850 feet in length and 30 feet in width. The pilot had landed on this ridge numerous times in the past and was familiar with the terrain.
Sequence of Events
Before landing, the pilot made several low passes over the area to assess the landing conditions and wind. During these passes, he noted a quartering headwind from the right at 10 miles per hour. He proceeded with the landing. Immediately after touchdown, the airplane encountered a wind gust that pushed it to the left. The pilot added engine power in an attempt to abort the landing. The tailwheel lifted off the ground, and the pilot turned the airplane downhill to the left to gain airspeed. However, the right wing and the main tires struck the ground on the downhill side of the ridge.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear and the right wing spar.