Business jet skids 300 yards off Telluride runway after gust

A Cessna 750 business jet was pushed off course by a strong gust while landing at Telluride Regional Airport on January 15 and skidded about 300 yards off the runway into a snowy field, creating an off-airport excursion that briefly closed the runway and underscored the hazards of mountain wind conditions.

Local responders, including units from the Telluride Fire Protection District and county crews, reached the scene. Three occupants self-extricated from the aircraft and declined medical treatment at the scene. Photographs shared by the San Miguel County Sheriff show visible damage to the aircraft’s left main landing gear, left wing and nose wheel.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the landing gear collapsed and has listed the airplane as sustaining “substantial” damage. The FAA said it will open an investigation into the incident. Registry records list the airplane as a 2007 Cessna 750 registered to Mach .92 Leasing LLC.

Airport staff temporarily closed the runway while emergency and recovery operations took place and crews assessed damage. The closure disrupted scheduled activity at the field during the response window and serves as a reminder that even experienced pilots and operators can encounter sudden gusts on approach, particularly at high-country fields where winds can shift rapidly.

For local aviators and travelers, the immediate takeaway is practical: check NOTAMs and briefings for Telluride before planning flights, allow extra time for weather variability, and expect temporary closures when incidents occur. For community members who rely on the airport for travel or cargo, be prepared for short-notice changes during recovery work or FAA on-site inspections.

The FAA investigation will determine causal factors, including wind conditions and mechanical status of the aircraft. In the meantime, airport operations and the aircraft operator will coordinate with authorities on recovery and any airfield repairs needed. The incident reinforces the value of conservative decision-making on approach and the readiness of local emergency crews to respond to aviation incidents in winter conditions.

What comes next is the FAA's report and any recommended mitigations; until then, pilots and passengers bound for Telluride should monitor airport advisories and plan for the possibility of weather-related disruptions.