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Casualties unknown

Runway Excursion and Ditch Strike Following Go-Around Attempt (N5907R)

Dover, DE, US

On July 18, 1998, a Cessna 172G (registration N5907R) was involved in an aviation accident near Dover, DE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point. 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

A pilot reported an uneventful flight, then attempted to land on runway 22 but floated to midfield, initiated a go-around, but the airplane failed to accelerate and exited the runway, striking a ditch.

Flight and Landing Attempt

The pilot reported that the flight was uneventful. After overflying the airport, he elected to land on runway 22, which required an approach over trees. The pilot stated the sink rate was good and the airspeed was 70 mph. The aircraft floated almost to midfield before the pilot decided to initiate a go-around.

Go-Around and Runway Excursion

During the go-around, the airplane was not building speed quickly enough. The pilot noted that there were trees and power lines in the vicinity of the airport. The airplane exited the 2,533-foot-long runway and subsequently struck a ditch.

Mechanical and Wind Conditions

The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane. The reported winds at the time of the accident were from 320 degrees at 8 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jul 1998 Cessna 172G accident near Dover, DE?

A pilot reported an uneventful flight, then attempted to land on runway 22 but floated to midfield, initiated a go-around, but the airplane failed to accelerate and exited the runway, striking a ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jul 1998 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N5907R, at Dover, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10610. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.