Casualties unknown

Landing Long Leads to Porpoising and Runway Excursion (N3425T)

Nacogdoches, TX, US

On July 13, 1992, a Cessna 177 (registration N3425T) operated by Hamblin, David W. was involved in an aviation accident near Nacogdoches, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FACTORS WERE THE INADVERTENT PORPOISE OF THE AIRPLANE AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane landed long, porpoised after flap retraction, veered off runway, and struck a tree. The pilot attributed the long landing to a high and fast approach.

Accident Summary

The airplane touched down long on a 3,100-foot airstrip, approximately 1,800 feet from the runway threshold. After landing, the flaps were retracted, causing the airplane to porpoise. The pilot applied throttle for about two seconds, then reduced to idle after observing trees roughly 1,000 feet ahead. The airplane porpoised again, and the pilot lost directional control. It veered off the runway, traversed heavy brush, and collided with a tree, impacting the left wing.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the approach was too high and too fast, resulting in a long landing. He estimated the touchdown point left 1,300 feet of runway remaining plus an additional 500 feet of safety area before the tree line.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jul 1992 Cessna 177 accident near Nacogdoches, TX?

An airplane landed long, porpoised after flap retraction, veered off runway, and struck a tree. The pilot attributed the long landing to a high and fast approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jul 1992 involved a Cessna 177, registration N3425T, operated by Hamblin, David W., at Nacogdoches, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FACTORS WERE THE INADVERTENT PORPOISE OF THE AIRPLANE AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE AIRPLANE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15155. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.