Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Go-Around in Glare (N859A)

Bliss, ID, US

On August 27, 1994, a Cessna 206 (registration N859A) was involved in an aviation accident near Bliss, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted landing, which was likely exacerbated by sun glare impairing visibility of the narrow runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted a landing due to intense sun glare on a narrow airstrip, losing directional control and nosing over in an adjacent field.

What happened

The aircraft was conducting a landing approach into the setting sun. The runway in question was notably narrow, measuring only 30 feet in width. As the pilot continued the final approach, the intense glare from the sun significantly impaired visibility of the runway surface.

Recognizing the difficulty in seeing the runway clearly due to the lighting conditions, the pilot made the decision to abort the landing and initiate a go-around. However, during this critical phase of flight, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft.

Consequently, the aircraft departed the paved surface of the runway. After exiting the runway area, the aircraft encountered soft terrain in an adjacent potato field. The ground conditions caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted landing, which was likely exacerbated by sun glare impairing visibility of the narrow runway.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Aug 1994 Cessna 206 accident near Bliss, ID?

A pilot aborted a landing due to intense sun glare on a narrow airstrip, losing directional control and nosing over in an adjacent field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Aug 1994 involved a Cessna 206, registration N859A, at Bliss, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted landing, which was likely exacerbated by sun glare impairing visibility of the narrow runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02153. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.