Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind, which resulted in impact with a ditch.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing on a wet, grass runway, the airplane suddenly veered right. The airplane exited the runway and impacted a water-filled drainage ditch. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA267 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 15, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Manvel, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Wolfe Air Park (3T2)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N5788R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.