Incident Summary
A private certificated pilot conducted a landing on a gravel surface runway measuring 3,000 feet in length and 75 feet in width. According to the pilot, the sun was in his eyes during the approach. The airplane touched down approximately 75 feet beyond the start of the runway surface (the threshold). At touchdown, the main landing gear encountered soft sand, causing the left main landing gear to dig in. This resulted in damage to the left main landing gear, left aileron, left flap, and left wing.
Runway Surface Examination
An examination of the runway surface conducted after the accident determined that the initial 100 feet of the runway was composed of soft, uncompacted dry sand. This material was present at the point where the main landing gear contacted the ground.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to multiple left-side components: the main landing gear, aileron, flap, and wing structure.