Casualties unknown

Hard Landing Collapses Nose Gear During Approach; Pilot Suspects Wind Shear (N8544P)

Monument Valley, UT, US

On August 8, 1986, a Piper PA-24-260 (registration N8544P) was involved in an aviation accident near Monument Valley, UT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During an approach for landing, an aircraft began to settle. Despite increasing power, the aircraft landed hard, collapsing the nose gear. The pilot believed wind shear was encountered. The airport is private and local pilots were aware of unfavorable wind conditions.

Incident Overview

An aircraft experienced a hard landing during an approach at a private airport, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear. The pilot reported that the aircraft began to settle during the approach and that increasing power did not seem to have an effect. Subsequently, the aircraft landed hard, causing the nose gear to collapse.

Pilot Account

The pilot believed that wind shear was encountered during the approach. The specific conditions or any other factors that might have contributed to the event were not detailed beyond this belief.

Airport Information

Local pilots were aware of unfavorable wind conditions that occur at this airport. Various publications indicated that this was a private airport and that its use was at the pilot's own risk. No further details regarding the airport's characteristics or the nature of the wind conditions were provided.

Investigation Notes

No other causal factors were identified in the source. The official report did not include any analysis or conclusion beyond the pilot's statement and the airport's advisory information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34456. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.