How many accidents has the Cessna 120 had?

The NTSB has recorded 163 events involving the Cessna 120: 12 fatal, 15 serious, 24 minor injuries, and 111 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 120 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 120 has 163 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 120 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 163 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

163

All Events

111

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (19 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Feb 28, 2004	Red Bluff, CA	N3029N	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on a narrow runway. A … the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on a narrow runway. A contributing factor were the gusty tailwind conditions.
Feb 21, 2004	Merrill, WI	N73034	Incident	substantial	The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain to conduct a landing. Factors were the reported flat light conditions and the uneven terrain.
Jan 26, 2004	Lonoke, AR	N1961V	Incident	substantial	The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the dusk lighting conditions and unlit airfield.
Aug 16, 2002	Missoula, MT	N72594	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions during the landing roll. Delayed remedial action and a high crosswind condition … The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions during the landing roll. Delayed remedial action and a high crosswind condition were factors.
Jan 25, 2001	Trenton, ME	N3070N	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper touchdown in the snow after the airplane became prematurely airborne during an attempted takeoff. A factor was the pilot's inade… The pilot's improper touchdown in the snow after the airplane became prematurely airborne during an attempted takeoff. A factor was the pilot's inadequate training.
Sep 13, 2000	ARCO, ID	N2007V	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition. Wind gust was a factor.
Sep 09, 2000	SACRAMENTO, CA	N76261	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his improper use of carburetor heat that resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing foll… The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his improper use of carburetor heat that resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing following a delayed takeoff in conditions that were conducive to carburetor icing. A factor was the nonsuitable terrain for landing.
Jul 21, 2000	SHAWANO, WI	N2961N	Incident	substantial	Inadequate preflight planning and the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff. A factor was the road embankment.
Jul 03, 2000	TOSTON, MT	N2146N	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude to avoid contact with the ground. Contributing factors were the downdraft conditions and the fenc… The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude to avoid contact with the ground. Contributing factors were the downdraft conditions and the fence post.
May 06, 2000	BEAUMONT, PA	N2842N	Incident	substantial	A crack in the crankcase which resulted in a partial power loss.
Jun 25, 1999	CHINO, CA	N2651N	Incident	substantial	A preexisting fatigue fracture of the right axle.
Dec 26, 1998	OMAK, WA	N120L	Incident	substantial	The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the snow covered runway and a snowbank (berm) at the runway'… The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the snow covered runway and a snowbank (berm) at the runway's edge.
Aug 11, 1998	BENTON, KS	N76884	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadvertant excessive use of the toe brakes during the landing roll.
Oct 06, 1997	PRINCE GEORGE, VA	N1856N	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to attain takeoff climb, and his delay in aborting the takeoff. A contributing factor was soft terrain.
Oct 04, 1997	MINERAL WELLS, WV	N76898	Incident	substantial	A loss of engine power to a blockage in the carburetor resulting in fuel starvation.
Jun 17, 1997	HOLLISTER, CA	N1819N	Incident	substantial	the pilot's excessive use of right rudder during the initial stages of the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional … the pilot's excessive use of right rudder during the initial stages of the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. The unfavorable wind was a related factor.
Sep 04, 1996	NAMPA, ID	N2595N	Incident	substantial	the solo student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve.
Jun 01, 1995	COLLEGE STATION, TX	N76856	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER ENCOUNTERING WAKE TURBULENCE FROM A LANDING AIRPLANE. A FACTOR WAS THE TAILWIND.
Mar 12, 1995	SKANEATELES, NY	N77467	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his improper use of the brakes.
Feb 10, 1995	SCAPPOOSE, OR	N77480	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT'S IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING AND INADVERTENT USE OF THE BRAKES.
Dec 19, 1994	TORRANCE, CA	N89885	Incident	substantial	A blockage in the carburetor heat air duct which limited the effectiveness of the system's ability to prevent the formation of carburetor ice and resu… A blockage in the carburetor heat air duct which limited the effectiveness of the system's ability to prevent the formation of carburetor ice and resulted in a loss of power. A factor in the accident was the soft nature of the recently plowed ground in the runway overrun area.
Aug 12, 1994	MANITOWOC, WI	N1987V	Incident	substantial	the private pilot's improper use of brakes during the landing roll. A related factor is his lack of total experience.
May 11, 1994	GOODYEAR, AZ	N89550	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS THE GUSTY CROSSWIND.
Jan 01, 1993	BESSEMER, AL	N4292N	Incident	substantial	THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING TAKE OFF.
Jul 19, 1992	RESERVE, LA	N89970	Incident	substantial	THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO THE VALVE FAILURE. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.

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Cessna 120 Safety Record

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