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 30, 2007 Pahokee, FL N1767D Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing.
May 17, 2007 Fairfield, ID N2778C Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning from base to final, resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush and subsequent collision wi…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning from base to final, resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush and subsequent collision with terrain.

Apr 11, 2007 Watkins, CO N1258D Incident substantial
A total failure during landing roll of the right brake caused by severely worn shoes, causing the caliper pins to engaged misaligned. A contributing …

A total failure during landing roll of the right brake caused by severely worn shoes, causing the caliper pins to engaged misaligned. A contributing factor was the pilot's inability to maintain directional control.

Nov 18, 2006 Billings, MT N2619D Incident substantial
The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve during takeoff roll. A fac…

The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve during takeoff roll. A factor was the failure of the pilot who was receiving instruction to maintain directional control.

Jul 24, 2006 Griffin, GA N4556C Incident substantial An in-flight encounter with weather on initial take off climb resulting in a loss of directional control and collision with the ground.
May 21, 2006 West Glacier, MT N3477C Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to attain sufficient airspeed for flight, his attempt to abort the takeoff, and the airplane's subsequent departure off the end of…

The pilot's failure to attain sufficient airspeed for flight, his attempt to abort the takeoff, and the airplane's subsequent departure off the end of the runway. Contributing factors were the impacted fence and vegetation, and his total lack of experience in type of operation.

May 07, 2006 Chickaloon, AK N2396D Incident substantial
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose over during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident…

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose over during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the snow on the runway.

Apr 28, 2006 Fort Pierce, FL N2891C Incident substantial The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Apr 23, 2006 Redlands, CA N3190A Incident substantial
the student's inadequate compensation for the crosswind gust and failure to maintain directional control. Also causal was the flight instructor's ina…

the student's inadequate compensation for the crosswind gust and failure to maintain directional control. Also causal was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight, and his failure to maintain directional control. A factor was control interference between the two pilots during the initial stages of the loss of control.

Apr 18, 2006 Shelton, WA N2886C Incident substantial
The main landing gear wheel failure during the takeoff ground roll. A related factor was directional control of the aircraft was not possible after t…

The main landing gear wheel failure during the takeoff ground roll. A related factor was directional control of the aircraft was not possible after the wheel failure.

Apr 12, 2006 Buena Vista, CO N1327D Incident minor The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were the crosswinds and the wind gusts.
Apr 10, 2006 Havre, MT N2831C Incident substantial
The pilot's improper starting procedures in attempting to hand-prop the airplane's engine. Contributing factors were the discharged battery, the fail…

The pilot's improper starting procedures in attempting to hand-prop the airplane's engine. Contributing factors were the discharged battery, the failure of the right parking brake and the hangar which the aircraft collided with.

Apr 06, 2006 Hanford, CA N5561C Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Mar 31, 2006 Benton, KS N2359J Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane resulting in a ground loop. Contributing factors include the inadequate preflight …

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane resulting in a ground loop. Contributing factors include the inadequate preflight inspection, the pilot's failure to properly latch the cowling, and the pilot's diverted attention to the open cowling.

Mar 27, 2006 Palmer, AK N2947D Incident substantial
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over during the landing roll. A factor associated with…

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the snow covered terrain.

Aug 01, 2005 Fairbanks, AK N6946C Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions, which resulted is a loss of directional control during landing. A factor associate…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions, which resulted is a loss of directional control during landing. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty wind condition.

Jun 28, 2005 Laurel, MT N2619D Incident substantial
The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. A contributing…

The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's diverted attention to talking with the student.

Jun 12, 2005 Anchorage, AK N2830C Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent ground-loo…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent ground-loop. A factor associated with the accident was a crosswind.

Jun 08, 2005 Ninilchick, AK N2551D Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll on a beach, which resulted in an on-ground collision with terrain. A …

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll on a beach, which resulted in an on-ground collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident is a tailwind.

May 14, 2005 Dillingham, AK N4606C Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll. Factors associated with the acc…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll. Factors associated with the accident are a crosswind, and an inadvertent ground loop/swerve.

May 10, 2005 Homer, AK N8305A Incident substantial
The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control, and collision with a ditch.…

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control, and collision with a ditch. A factor associated with the accident was the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control.

Apr 27, 2005 Anchorage, AK N2981D Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a sign while taxiing from landing, which resulted in an on ground collision with the sign.
Nov 12, 2004 Opa Locka, FL N9059A Incident substantial The pilot's improper landing flare/touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing.
Sep 08, 2004 Teller, AK N3492C Incident substantial
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with an e…

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with an embankment during takeoff-initial climb. Factors contributing to the accident was the presence of a sand embankment, and a tailwind.

Aug 23, 2004 Anchorage, AK N8238A Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to the restricted movement of the rudder pedals from his headset cord,…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to the restricted movement of the rudder pedals from his headset cord, which resulted in the airplane exiting the runway and nosing down.

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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