On April 21, 2000, a Beech A36TC (registration N305MM) was involved in an aviation accident near Monument Valley, UT. 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.
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.