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
May 13, 2015 Bentonville, AR N3488C Incident substantial The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop on takeoff.
Apr 13, 2015 Bettles, AK N4697C Incident substantial
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident engine examination and testing revealed no mechanical anoma…

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident engine examination and testing revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Mar 31, 2015 Wasilla, AK N4582C Incident substantial
The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student while landing, which resulted in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the stu…

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student while landing, which resulted in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the student pilots failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during the landing roll.

Mar 12, 2015 Palmetto, FL N170TW Incident substantial The pilot's failure to use the proper hand propping procedures, resulting in a runaway airplane.
Jan 21, 2015 Anchorage, AK N2580D Incident substantial The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Sep 19, 2014 Portland, OR N3210A Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing.
Sep 04, 2014 Palmer, AK N1661D Incident substantial The pilot's excessive use of brakes during the landing roll resulting in a nose over.
Aug 16, 2014 Augusta, KS N60PE Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.
Jun 04, 2014 Fairbanks, AK N3442D Incident substantial
The airplane's encounter with a tailwind during takeoff from a short, narrow airstrip, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision with brush and s…

The airplane's encounter with a tailwind during takeoff from a short, narrow airstrip, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision with brush and small trees.

May 03, 2014 Soldotna, AK N3469C Incident substantial The pilot's failure to recognize a wind shift, resulting in a tailwind landing, loss of control, and ground loop.
Apr 19, 2014 Huron, SD N9285A Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate flare resulting in a hard landing.
Mar 07, 2014 San Luis Obispo, CA N2252D Incident substantial
Corrosion of the bulkhead assembly in the left main landing gearbox area, which resulted in the structural failure of the bulkhead and the subsequent …

Corrosion of the bulkhead assembly in the left main landing gearbox area, which resulted in the structural failure of the bulkhead and the subsequent landing gear collapse.

Jan 26, 2014 Wikieup, AZ N2594V Incident destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during takeoff.
Oct 08, 2013 Ridgely, MD N4216V Incident substantial A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
Sep 14, 2013 Iliamna, AK N2736C Incident substantial The pilot's inadvertent encounter with a mound while landing on a remote airstrip.
Sep 11, 2013 Victoria, TX N170TP Incident substantial The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Aug 27, 2013 Anchorage, AK N2583C Incident substantial The pilot's loss of control of the airplane during takeoff, resulting in a ground loop.
Aug 04, 2013 Meridian, MS N4251 Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Aug 03, 2013 San Carlos, CA N8249A Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.
Jul 26, 2013 Burnet, TX N5401C Incident substantial The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Jun 30, 2013 Fallbrook, CA N2600D Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the takeoff, and his loss of aircraft control during the subsequent stall recovery.
Jun 23, 2013 Rawlins, WY N170CW Incident substantial
The pilot’s delayed decision to abort the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and a high density altit…

The pilot’s delayed decision to abort the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and a high density altitude, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

Jun 09, 2013 Plainville, CT N2585V Incident substantial
The pilot’s overflight of the landing runway during a forced landing after a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadeq…

The pilot’s overflight of the landing runway during a forced landing after a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight which resulted in his failure to detect water contamination of the fuel system.

May 23, 2013 Danville, IN N3119A Incident substantial The pilot not maintaining directional control of the airplane during the landing roll resulting in the ground loop.
May 13, 2013 Roxboro, NC N3115B Incident substantial The pilot’s excessive use of wheel brakes while turning off the runway after landing resulting in a noseover.
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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