Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the sunglare.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to the pilot, he landed to the west during the late afternoon. During the landing rollout, his vision was limited as a result of the afternoon sun, which blinded him. The airplane drifted off the right side of the runway, struck soft ground, and veered into a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. He reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. According to data from the United States Naval Observatory, official sunset was at 1748. The accident occurred about 30 minutes before sunset.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA156