What happened
The certificated airline transport pilot was conducting practice touch-and-go landings on a remote sand bar. During the fifth landing attempt, just prior to touchdown, a gust of wind lifted the right wing of the aircraft. This sudden lift caused the left wing to strike the ground. As the airplane pivoted 45 degrees to the left, the right main landing gear struck the surface and collapsed. The right wing sustained substantial damage to the main spar as a result of the impact.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft following the incident. Examination revealed that the right wing had sustained substantial damage to the main spar. No other mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors beyond the structural damage incurred during the ground contact.