Cessna 152 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 2435 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

2435

All Events

1714

Incidents

326

Minor

130

Serious

255

Fatal (386 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Apr 28, 2022 Wadsworth, OH N46733 Serious (1) substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while attempting to land in a crosswind.
Apr 19, 2020 Corona, CA N6306P Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a total loss of engi…

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

May 04, 2018 Tamiami, FL N6198Q Serious (2) substantial
The non-instrument-rated pilot’s loss of control during an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions at night. Contributing to the accident …

The non-instrument-rated pilot’s loss of control during an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions at night. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to depart on the flight without obtaining approval to fly at night in accordance with company policy.

Jan 18, 2016 Madison, GA N6135M Serious (2) substantial The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Jun 20, 2014 Agua Dulce, CA N4606L Serious (2) substantial
The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff from the upsloping runway with full-flap deflection in high density altitude conditions, which led to a d…

The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff from the upsloping runway with full-flap deflection in high density altitude conditions, which led to a decreased climb rate and impact with terrain.

Dec 24, 2013 St. Ignatius, MT N5533B Serious (1) substantial The non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized approach for landing that resulted in a long landing and subsequent runway overrun.
Sep 24, 2013 Wadsworth, OH N24800 Serious (1) substantial The pilot's failure to adequately maintain airspeed during a go-around.
May 25, 2011 Ann Arbor, MI N222UM Serious
The flight instructor’s failure to maintain clearance from the propeller when exiting the airplane. Contributing to the accident were the instructor’s…

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain clearance from the propeller when exiting the airplane. Contributing to the accident were the instructor’s decision not to shut down the engine before exiting the airplane and the operator’s lack of a policy prohibiting any person from entering or exiting an airplane with its engine operating.

Sep 22, 2008 Carlsbad, CA N271RJ Serious (2) substantial The loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.
Jun 22, 2008 Leesburg, FL N757HA Serious (1) substantial The failure of the No. 3 connecting rod cap due to oil starvation. Contributing to the accident was the contamination of the engine oil.
May 06, 2006 Shamokin, PA N4732Q Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to recover from a bounced landing, and her improper use of flaps during an aborted landing, which resulted in an in-flight collisi…

The pilot's failure to recover from a bounced landing, and her improper use of flaps during an aborted landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.

Oct 10, 2004 Harrison, OH N68298 Serious (2) substantial
The Cessna 152 pilot's improper traffic pattern procedure and improper radio communication, which resulted in a mid-air collision with a Cessna 172. A…

The Cessna 152 pilot's improper traffic pattern procedure and improper radio communication, which resulted in a mid-air collision with a Cessna 172. A factor in the accident was both pilots' failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout.

Aug 10, 2004 Abita Springs, LA N6326B Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather and dark night conditions are contributing facto…

The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather and dark night conditions are contributing factors.

Dec 08, 2003 Butler, PA N94820 Serious (1) substantial
The student pilot's improper use of carburetor heat, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise flight. A factor was carburetor ici…

The student pilot's improper use of carburetor heat, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise flight. A factor was carburetor icing conditions.

Dec 03, 2003 Pontiac, MI N65455 Serious (1) substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor to the accident was the tree line and the unsuitable terrain.
Nov 12, 2003 MINERAL WELLS, TX N95604 Serious (2) substantial the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
Sep 04, 2003 Tocumen, PM HP1426AS Serious (1) substantial Investigation pending
Aug 21, 2003 Punta Cana, DR HI648SP Serious (1) substantial Investigation pending
Jul 29, 2003 Brooklyn, MI N910MF Serious (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane.
Apr 21, 2003 Red Owl, SD N93564 Serious (1) substantial The pilot not maintaining aircraft control during initial climb-out, resulting in the encountered stall.
Oct 27, 2002 Springfield, OH N49422 Serious (1) substantial Inadequate installation of the number 3 cylinder.
May 08, 2002 Forest, VA N63123 Serious (1) substantial The student pilot's improper flare and failure to recover from a bounced landing, which resulted in a nose over.
Feb 21, 2002 Blowing Rock, NC N757AS Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's in-flight decision to continue flight into an area with high winds that resulted in an in-flight encounter with a downdraft and subsequent…

The pilot's in-flight decision to continue flight into an area with high winds that resulted in an in-flight encounter with a downdraft and subsequent loss of control of the airplane and collision with terrain.

Jul 29, 2001 Pacoima, CA N67418 Serious (1) substantial the pilot's inadequate fuel consumption calculations, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power while on approach for landing.
Jan 07, 2001 Spanish Fork, UT N108ES Serious (1) destroyed
Improper weather evaluation by both the pilot and pilot/passenger, and the pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC resulting in his spatial disorienta…

Improper weather evaluation by both the pilot and pilot/passenger, and the pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC resulting in his spatial disorientation. Factors were the pilot rated passenger's spatial disorientation, fog, and night conditions.

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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