Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Weather
We were on final approach. The weather was VFR. The winds were gusting and Tower said airspeed deviations of +/- 5 knots on final and deviations of +/- 10 knots below 200 feet had been reported. The approach had moderate turbulence that increased in intensity below 200'. Airspeed was fluctuating due to the turbulence and corrections in power and descent with deviations as reported (+/- 10) but there was not a concern for the safety of the approach. Over the runway in the flare; the aircraft floated (due to wind gust) and began drifting left. The flying pilot corrected for runway alignment with crab and wing down towards the wind. I noted the right wing drop more (probably due to a large gust and/or to correction to the gust) and was concerned about excessive bank; assisted with the controls to reduce the bank as we touched down on the runway. The landing was firm but there was no thought that the wing had struck the runway and we taxied normally off the runway and to the gate. On post flight inspection I noted the right slat was scraped and the underside of the right wingtip was scraped.  In retrospect; if we had known the turbulence was going to be that bad at the runway; I should have flown the approach because I have more experience in the aircraft. The First Officer is a very experienced and competent pilot but he is new to the aircraft. After we started the approach; if we knew the turbulence was going to intensify; we should have gone around. We had conversation about feeling 'OK' with the situation on final (the weather with the first officer flying); and +/- 5 to 10 knots is not uncommon. We both agreed and we continued. At the moment we were hit by the gust in the flare very close to the runway; it seemed best to land.
Unfortunately we experienced the strong cross wind gust on the flare. If we had this issue (airplane banking due to gust ) at the higher altitude may be we can fly a go around. But at that point very close to the runway it appear best to land. During the short final the Captain asked me if I was OK and I reply yes and we have decide to continue to land. I suggest with the newly hired; to add the limitation of gusting wind enviroment; the Captain must land the airplane.
CRJ-900 flight crew reported they struck a slat and wingtip during landing in gusty wind conditions.