What happened
On October 15, 2021, a Cessna 175, registration N7584M, was involved in an accident near Reserve, New Mexico, while operating as a personal flight. The flight was being conducted to scout hunting areas.
According to statements from the two passengers, the pilot was maneuvering the aircraft toward a specific area pointed out by the passengers. During this process, the aircraft entered a sharp turn and began to descend rapidly. The passengers recalled the sensation of a power loss, though the aircraft eventually leveled off. They noted that the airplane was tilted upward, making it difficult to see through the windshield, and the aircraft eventually impacted trees.
Handheld GPS data indicated the flight departed Grant County Airport at approximately 0 :07 MDT. After flying north-northwest and west-northwest, the aircraft turned to a northerly heading and then to the southeast. During the final two minutes of flight, the aircraft climbed from 6,732 ft msl to 7,530 ft msl. The last recorded GPS position was 95 ft south of the accident site.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage at the accident site, located at an elevation of 7,521 ft msl, showed the aircraft impacted mountainous terrain. The first point of contact was the top of a pine tree. The aircraft came to rest on its left side with the left wing folded upward.
Investigators found that all flight control surfaces remained functional and flight control continuity was established. The engine was examined and found to be in working order; the crankshaft, valvetrain, and all cylinders were functional, and the engine ran normally at various power settings during testing. No evidence of a pre-existing mechanical malfunction was found in the airframe or engine.
Toxicology results for the pilot showed the presence of Losartan, Rosuvastatin, and Diphenhydramine. While Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can potentially impair performance, investigators determined its use was not a likely factor in the accident.
Findings
Analysis of astronomical data showed the sun was located in the southeast quadrant of the sky at the time of the accident. Investigators concluded that as the pilot initiated a climb while on a southeasterly heading, the sun likely reduced forward visibility and awareness of the rising terrain ahead.