Monument Valley Airport
Aircraft Accident/Incident Report

Monument Valley, Utah 84536
Sunday, May 17, 1998 14:40 MDT

The pilot was performing a sightseeing flight and was second in a group of three to land. At 200 feet agl, a 'severe gust' turned the aircraft 30 to 40 degrees to the right and at a 40 degree bank. The pilot added power to go-around, and the aircraft began a slight climb. Due to approaching mountainous terrain, the pilot initiated an early turn to crosswind; however, the aircraft only reached an altitude of approximately 200 to 300 agl while in the traffic pattern. While on final approach for his second attempt to land, the aircraft impacted the ground 150 feet to left of the runway at a heading of approximately 195 degrees with full power and in a nose high attitude. The nose and right main gear were separated from the aircraft, and the airplane came to rest on its nose. Approximately one hour after the accident, the wind blew the aircraft onto its back. According to a representative of Scenic Airlines, Inc., the pilot's date of hire was April 24, 1998, and he was employed with the company for less than a month prior to the accident. In addition, the pilot was from California and was new to the geographic area. Density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 7,854 feet.

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing. Factors were gusty, crosswind conditions, the pilot's lack of experience in type of operation and geographic area, mountainous terrain, and high density altitude.