What happened
During a Part 135 commercial operation, a pilot was conducting an off-airport landing with passengers on board. While on short final, approximately 8 to 10 feet above the ground, a sudden gust caused the right wing to lift between 50 and 60 degrees above horizontal. This movement caused the left wing to strike the ground.
Although the pilot managed to level the wings, the aircraft touched down while drifting to the left. The aircraft then skidded forward approximately 50 feet before performing a nose-over. There were no injuries reported in the accident.
The investigation
The inspection of the aircraft revealed structural damage to the left wingtip, the left wing aft attach point, and the right landing gear attach point.