On March 3, 1991, United Airlines Flight 585, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82, was on its final approach to Colorado Springs Airport when it experienced a catastrophic crash. The flight was attempting to land in challenging weather conditions characterized by severe wind shear, which can cause sudden changes in wind speed and direction. As a result, the aircraft lost lift and entered a rapid descent, ultimately crashing into a field near the airport. Tragically, all 25 individuals on board, including 21 passengers and 4 crew members, were killed upon impact.

The accident occurred just a few minutes before the scheduled landing time, and the flight had not reported any previous mechanical issues. Once investigators began their examination of the wreckage and the flight data recorder, it became clear that the extreme weather played a significant role in the incident. Furthermore, the investigation revealed deficiencies in pilot training regarding the understanding and response to wind shear. This incident was one of several that led to further scrutiny and advancements in aviation safety protocols, particularly concerning flight crew training and operational guidelines to deal with high-risk weather scenarios.

In the aftermath, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that airlines take specific steps to enhance training programs for pilots, focusing on weather-related phenomena like wind shear. The findings ultimately prompted the aviation industry to improve technologies and systems designed to detect and report hazardous flying conditions, thereby enhancing air safety and ensuring that pilots are better prepared to handle such emergencies.