On 21 Sep 2015, a CESSNA 177RG was involved in an aviation accident near Aztec, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with shrubs. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing roll, pilot blinded by sunrise, aborted takeoff, but airplane departed left runway and struck shrubs, causing substantial damage.
Factual Report
During the landing roll, the pilot reported being "blinded by the sunrise coming straight down the runway." Unable to see, the pilot applied power to abort the landing. However, the airplane departed the runway to the left and impacted shrubs. The pilot then reduced power to idle and brought the airplane to a stop after the impact with the shrubs.
Aircraft Damage
The fuselage and stabilator sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact with the shrubs.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained