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Morning Sun Glare Precedes Runway Excursion During Landing Roll

Aztec, NM, United States

On September 21, 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.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

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

Other contributing factors

Effect on personnelEffect on equipment

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 2015 CESSNA 177RG accident near Aztec, NM?

During landing roll, pilot blinded by sunrise, aborted takeoff, but airplane departed left runway and struck shrubs, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Sept 2015 CESSNA 177RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 2015 involved a CESSNA 177RG, at Aztec, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with shrubs.

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