Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with shrubs.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll he was "blinded by the sunrise coming straight down the runway." Unable to see, the pilot applied power to abort the landing, but the airplane departed the runway to the left and impacted shrubs. The pilot reduced power to idle and stopped the airplane after impacting the shrubs. The fuselage and stabilator sustained substantial damage.
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA300 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Aztec, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Aztec Muni (N19)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
Cessna 177RG
- N-number
- N1875Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.