Cessna 120 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 163 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 14, 2000 | ILIAMNA, AK | N72775 | Minor | substantial |
A failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were the passenger's inadvertent interference with th…A failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were the passenger's inadvertent interference with the controls, and a ditch along the runway. |
| 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. |
| Jul 17, 1997 | NAPOLEON, OH | N2550N | Serious (1) | substantial | The pilot's decision to take off with inadequate fuel. |
| 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, 1996 | RIMROCK, WA | N2965N | Minor | substantial |
the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff, and his excessive use of brakes while decelerating the airplane during the aborted takeoff. Factors relati…the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff, and his excessive use of brakes while decelerating the airplane during the aborted takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's loading the airplane above its maximum gross weight, high density altitude, and the rough surface of the runway. |
| 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. |
| Feb 12, 1994 | CHITTENANGO, NY | N1626V | Serious (1) | substantial | THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PLANNING/DECISION TO TAKE OFF WITH THE PRESENCE OF A TAILWIND. |
| May 21, 1993 | CRAWFORD, NE | N2976N | Fatal (1) | destroyed | THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED. |
| Feb 16, 1993 | BATTLEGROUND, WA | N2100V | Serious (1) | destroyed |
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S ALLOWING THE AIRCRAFT TO ENTER A STALL/SPIN CONDITION. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE A TAILWIND, POWER LINES AND TR…THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S ALLOWING THE AIRCRAFT TO ENTER A STALL/SPIN CONDITION. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE A TAILWIND, POWER LINES AND TREES. |