Wind Gust During Beach Landing Damages Left Wing and Elevator (N9897Y)

Accident Details

A commercial certificated pilot was performing a landing on a remote beach area. The landing was oriented toward the east. The pilot reported that the wind during the approach and landing was from the east-southeast at a speed of 10 to 15 knots. Additionally, there were occasional higher gusts that came from the south. During the landing roll, after the airplane had touched down on the sand, a gust of wind from the south lifted the right wing. As a consequence, the left wing contacted the sand. The airplane sustained structural damage as a result of this contact. Specifically, the damage was to the left wing and the left elevator. The pilot described the wind conditions as a 10 to 15 knot wind from the east-southeast with occasional higher gusts from the south. The incident occurred during the landing roll on a remote beach.