Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent loss of directional control while attempting to land during high crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that a crosswind of 28 knots, gusting to 44 knots, prevailed at the destination airport during the approach. As the airplane crossed the runway 21 threshold, it encountered windshear which resulted in a hard landing. The pilot subsequently lost directional control, and the airplane departed the runway pavement which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, left wing, and left aileron.
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures before the accident. He added that he should not have attempted to land with the reported wind conditions.
About 10 minutes before the accident, the destination airport Automated Surface Observing System recorded a peak wind from 300° at 39 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA127 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 26, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Durango, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Durango-La Plata County (DRO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Raytheon Aircraft Company B36TC
- N-number
- N2251Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1997
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.