On April 5, 1994, a Cessna 177RG (registration N35060) operated by Cheryl E. Aurand was involved in an aviation accident near Sedona, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation of the existing wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experiencing en-route electrical problems made multiple landing attempts in gusting crosswinds before the aircraft touched down 250 feet right of the runway and struck boundary trees.
Sequence of Events
While en route, the pilot experienced electrical problems. She managed the issue by briefly activating the master switch, which allowed her to lower the flaps, make an advisory call, and check the landing gear light. Prior to landing, she observed several of the five windsocks and determined there was a slight crosswind from the west.
Landing Attempts
On final approach, the pilot felt a slight crosswind. With full flaps on short final, a strong left crosswind caused the aircraft to weathervane and drift toward the right edge of the runway. She recovered from the drift and attempted another touchdown. The second attempt resulted in the same situation, but this time she used power application as part of her recovery. On the third attempt, she again encountered a gusting crosswind. Concerned that she was running out of usable runway, she reduced power and the aircraft touched down approximately 250 feet to the right of the runway. The aircraft then collided with trees along the airport boundary.