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Aircraft Struck by Galloping Horse on Open-Range Airstrip (N51SA)

Monument Valley, UT, US

On May 16, 1997, a Cessna T207A (registration N51SA) was involved in an aviation accident near Monument Valley, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A horse entering the runway after the aircraft touched down. Factors included no fence installed around part of the airstrip, and remedial action not possible. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During the landing roll, a privately-owned aircraft was struck by a lead horse from a galloping herd on an unfenced, open-range airstrip. The pilot could not avoid the collision due to limited runway, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Description

A privately-owned aircraft was struck by a galloping horse during the landing roll. The pilot reported that the runway was clear during the approach, but after an uneventful touchdown, a herd of horses was spotted galloping toward the aircraft from the left. The available remaining runway length and width prevented effective corrective action by the pilot. Despite an attempt to veer the aircraft clear of the horses, the lead horse struck the aircraft at a full gallop, substantially damaging the aircraft.

Airstrip Characteristics

The incident occurred on a privately-owned open-range airstrip. The airstrip lies partly on a Navajo Indian reservation. The portion of the airstrip located on tribal land is not fenced due to tribal restrictions. The open-range nature of the area means that livestock, including horses, can roam freely.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 May 1997 Cessna T207A accident near Monument Valley, UT?

During the landing roll, a privately-owned aircraft was struck by a lead horse from a galloping herd on an unfenced, open-range airstrip. The pilot could not avoid the collision due to limited runway, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 May 1997 Cessna T207A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 May 1997 involved a Cessna T207A, registration N51SA, at Monument Valley, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A horse entering the runway after the aircraft touched down. Factors included no fence installed around part of the airstrip, and remedial action not possible.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08027. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.