Originally Posted by
crablab
I'm fairness it doesn't look too badly damaged. The cost will be getting it off the beach methinks.
The NLG had partially folded back and there was clearly major structural damage in that area but the prop was undamaged (at least I don't recall seeing any). The aircraft had been dragged out of the water the previous night and was either pretty tired before the ditching or else the seawater was already doing its corrosive thing. To get it away - in the couple of meter gap between two beach huts - will require wings off in situ first. There's a path easily wide enough for a truck immediately behind the huts.
I was astonished that they got it down with so little damage. The beach there is quite steep with flat sand only exposed at the bottom of big tides. I'd be pretty surprised if it flew again.
I forgot to compliment the owner on what, in the final analysis, would have to be described as a good landing.