On May 17, 2002, a Cessna 182Q (registration N9031U) was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to losing foot contact with the rudder pedals while attempting to adjust his seating position to mitigate sun glare, resulting in a runway overrun. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted a full-stop landing to avoid sun glare, lost rudder control due to slipping feet, and overran the runway into a light pole.
What happened
The aircraft executed a full-stop landing at an airport. The pilot had originally planned to perform touch-and-go landings but changed his intention to stop completely because of intense sun glare affecting visibility.
Upon touchdown, the glare became so severe that the pilot adjusted his seating position by moving upward in the seat. This movement caused his feet to slip off the rudder pedals. Unable to maintain directional control or apply braking effectively, the aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits.
The airplane overran the end of the runway and collided with a light pole situated just beyond the paved surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to losing foot contact with the rudder pedals while attempting to adjust his seating position to mitigate sun glare, resulting in a runway overrun.
What happened in the 17 May 2002 Cessna 182Q accident near San Diego, CA?
A pilot attempted a full-stop landing to avoid sun glare, lost rudder control due to slipping feet, and overran the runway into a light pole.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 May 2002 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N9031U, at San Diego, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to losing foot contact with the rudder pedals while attempting to adjust his seating position to mitigate sun glare, resulting in a runway overrun.
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