Cessna 170 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 728 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

728

All Events

537

Incidents

83

Minor

52

Serious

56

Fatal (98 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Aug 15, 2002 SOLDOTNA, AK N2558D Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A factor contributing to the…

The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's excessive braking which resulted in a nose over.

Aug 01, 2002 St. Johns, AZ N2233D Incident substantial
the pilot's selection of the wrong runway for the existing crosswind condition and his subsequent inadequate compensation for the winds, which led to …

the pilot's selection of the wrong runway for the existing crosswind condition and his subsequent inadequate compensation for the winds, which led to a failure to maintain directional control and a ground loop.

May 30, 2002 Rock Springs, WY N4559C Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial takeoff climb. A contributing factor was the gusty crosswind.
May 19, 2002 SHOW LOW, AZ N4338B Incident substantial The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor was a sudden wind shift on final approach.
May 17, 2002 Casper, WY N1211D Fatal (1) destroyed
the pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor contributing to this…

the pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor contributing to this accident was the fog.

May 16, 2002 North Pole, AK N4669C Incident substantial
The separation of the right main landing gear from the airplane during landing. A factor associated with the accident is the unapproved hardware used…

The separation of the right main landing gear from the airplane during landing. A factor associated with the accident is the unapproved hardware used to attach the main landing gear.

May 12, 2002 Anchorage, AK N7608B Incident substantial The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during takeoff. A factor associated with the accident was an inadvertent ground loop.
May 11, 2002 San Diego, CA N3462C Incident substantial
The failure of the dual student to maintain directional control of the airplane and the instructor's delayed the remedial action, which resulted in a …

The failure of the dual student to maintain directional control of the airplane and the instructor's delayed the remedial action, which resulted in a ground loop. A factor in the accident was the gusting crosswind conditions.

Apr 08, 2002 Ocala, FL N3470C Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing roll, resulting in a loss of control/ground loop.
Mar 22, 2002 Gainesville, MO N170PS Incident substantial The pilot's misjudgment of distance/altitude and his failure to perform a go-around.
Mar 14, 2002 Rainier, WA N8065A Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain the proper decent rate on approach. A factor was the trees in close proximity to the airport.
Feb 23, 2002 Fredericksburg, VA N3832V Serious (1) substantial
The unauthorized modification of the air control box by unknown persons, and the failure of subsequent mechanics to note and correct the deficiency. …

The unauthorized modification of the air control box by unknown persons, and the failure of subsequent mechanics to note and correct the deficiency. Factors included the carburetor icing conditions and the unsuitable terrain mandated by the forced landing.

Jan 08, 2002 Bellewood, MS N48031 Minor substantial The pilot misjudged the proper touched down point and collided with the ground short of the runway during an attempted landing.
Oct 27, 2001 Giddings, TX N4127G Minor substantial The failure of the Cessna pilot to maintain directional control while landing, which resulted in a collision with the Lake.
Oct 05, 2001 Bennettsville, SC N4180V Incident substantial The blockage of the fuel vent and also the collapsed fuel supply line resulting in the total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Sep 28, 2001 Wildwood, NJ N3465D Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors were the crosswind and the gusts.
Aug 29, 2001 CHICKALOON, AK N9791A Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff. Factors in the accident were the presence of trees at the end of the departure path, and the pilot's impro…

The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff. Factors in the accident were the presence of trees at the end of the departure path, and the pilot's improper use of the carburetor heat control.

Aug 29, 2001 FAIRBANKS, AK N4669C Incident substantial The pilot's inadvertent stall/mush during the initial climb after takeoff, and subsequent in-flight collision with a tree.
Jun 20, 2001 Uxbridge, CA C-GKGG Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 15, 2001 Payson, AZ N4338B Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and improper corrective action while landing in a quartering tailwind condition. A contributing f…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and improper corrective action while landing in a quartering tailwind condition. A contributing factor was his lack of experience in the type of operation.

Jun 11, 2001 South Charlesto, WV N9509A Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
Jun 04, 2001 Sand Point, AK N4659C Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while on approach, and the inadvertent stall of the airplane while attempting a go-around. A …

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while on approach, and the inadvertent stall of the airplane while attempting a go-around. A factor associated with the accident was a crosswind.

May 08, 2001 FAIRBANKS, AK N3143A Incident substantial
A failure of the tailwheel spring assembly due to fatigue during touch and go landings. A factor in the accident was an inadequate annual inspection …

A failure of the tailwheel spring assembly due to fatigue during touch and go landings. A factor in the accident was an inadequate annual inspection by maintenance personnel.

Apr 29, 2001 Henderson, NV N2567C Incident substantial The failure of the pilot to refuel the airplane, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing in rough terrain.
Apr 08, 2001 Penrose, NC N2488D Incident substantial
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing rollout while landing in a crosswind which resulted in a groun…

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing rollout while landing in a crosswind which resulted in a ground swerve and substantial damage to the aircraft.

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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