What happened
During a Title 14, CFR Part 91 positioning flight toward a remote landing site, the pilot noted a north wind of approximately 30 knots. Other pilots in the area had previously reported experiencing downdrafts near the shoreline, which was the pilot's original intended destination.
Due to these conditions, the pilot opted to land on an area of inner beach measuring approximately 800 feet in length and 60 feet in width. During the landing flare, a gust of wind pushed the aircraft to the left. This caused the left wing to collide with high brush, resulting in the airplane spinning to the left. The aircraft sustained structural damage to both wings and the right main landing gear. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed structural damage to both wings and the right main landing gear following the collision with vegetation.