No fatalities

Pilot Executes Go-Around After High Approach, Aircraft Hydroplanes and Strikes Tree During Landing (N9492D)

Rio Hondo, TX, US

On May 22, 1997, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9492D) operated by West Houston Airport was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Hondo, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to use all of the available runway during landing, and his resultant failure to attain a proper touchdown point for a safe rollout. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During a landing attempt on a wet runway, a pilot executed a go-around after a high approach, then touched down long on a second approach, hydroplaned, and skidded off the runway into a tree and drainage ditch.

Overview

A pilot returning from a 1-hour local flight attempted to land on runway 18. The first approach was high, and the pilot observed a rain shower at the departure end moving northward. He executed a go-around for another approach.

Approach and Landing

On the second approach, the pilot extended 30 degrees of flaps. This approach was also high, and the aircraft touched down approximately 1,100 feet down the 2,600-foot runway. The pilot applied the brakes, but the aircraft hydroplaned and skidded off the right side of the runway, past the departure end, and onto uneven grassy terrain.

Aftermath

The left wing struck a tree, and the aircraft came to rest in a drainage ditch. Witnesses reported standing water on the runway at the time of landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 May 1997 Cessna 172RG accident near Rio Hondo, TX?

During a landing attempt on a wet runway, a pilot executed a go-around after a high approach, then touched down long on a second approach, hydroplaned, and skidded off the runway into a tree and drainage ditch.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 May 1997 Cessna 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 May 1997 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9492D, operated by West Houston Airport, at Rio Hondo, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to use all of the available runway during landing, and his resultant failure to attain a proper touchdown point for a safe rollout. Factors relating to the accident were: the wet runway with hydroplaning conditions, the uneven terrain (after the aircraft exited the runway), and the proximity of…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07920. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.