No fatalities

Landing Gear Collapse Due to Wind Gusts (N305MM)

Monument Valley, UT, US

On April 21, 2000, a Beech A36TC (registration N305MM) was involved in an aviation accident near Monument Valley, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Encountering a wind gust during landing roll while the pilot was not current in landings. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft sustained substantial damage after a wind gust during landing roll caused a 90-degree turn and gear collapse. The pilot lacked recent landing currency.

What happened

During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a sudden wind gust described as a 'whirlwind'. This force turned the aircraft approximately 90 degrees from its intended path. The abrupt change in direction caused the landing gear to collapse, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.

The pilot was not current in landings at the time of the incident. Additionally, the National Weather Service had issued an alert bulletin forecasting turbulence for the area prior to the event.

Probable cause

Encountering a wind gust during landing roll while the pilot was not current in landings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Apr 2000 Beech A36TC accident near Monument Valley, UT?

Aircraft sustained substantial damage after a wind gust during landing roll caused a 90-degree turn and gear collapse. The pilot lacked recent landing currency.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Apr 2000 Beech A36TC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Apr 2000 involved a Beech A36TC, registration N305MM, at Monument Valley, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Encountering a wind gust during landing roll while the pilot was not current in landings.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20803. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.