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
Jan 29, 2026 Summerdale, AL N4178V Minor substantial Investigation pending
Sep 01, 2025 Eustis, ME N3576D Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent descent, contact with the water, and a subseq…

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent descent, contact with the water, and a subsequent nose over.

Sep 11, 2024 Marshall, IN N1249D Minor substantial The fatigue fracture of the No. 6 piston connecting rod, which resulted in a loss of engine power.
Nov 27, 2023 Cameron Park, CA N170HT Minor substantial
A failure of the right brake master cylinder piston due to a faulty return spring, which resulted in a seized right main landing gear brake and a runw…

A failure of the right brake master cylinder piston due to a faulty return spring, which resulted in a seized right main landing gear brake and a runway excursion

Jun 19, 2023 Santiago, OF PT-KUM Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jun 06, 2022 Wheatland, WY N4067V Minor substantial The pilot’s improper landing flare which, resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent nose over.
Aug 06, 2021 Metaline Falls, WA N5459C Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to attain sufficient altitude during the initial climb to clear trees due to an encounter with windshear.
Jan 08, 2021 Palouse, WA N4344B Minor substantial
The student pilot’s improper landing flare and loss of directional control and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action resulted in a runway ex…

The student pilot’s improper landing flare and loss of directional control and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action resulted in a runway excursion and nose over.

Aug 13, 2020 Ardmore, TN N3962V Minor substantial
The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and his decision to depart from a constrained, grass-covered field in elevated-density altitude conditions, …

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and his decision to depart from a constrained, grass-covered field in elevated-density altitude conditions, which resulted in reduced takeoff and climb performance and a subsequent forced landing.

Feb 16, 2020 Valley Center, KS N170RH Minor substantial The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff when the airplane passed the point where he had anticipated the liftoff would occur.
Mar 26, 2017 Death Valley, CA N9953A Minor substantial
The pilot’s improper compensation for crosswind conditions during the landing flare and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during …

The pilot’s improper compensation for crosswind conditions during the landing flare and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing.

Sep 24, 2015 Arctic Village, AK N2528C Minor substantial The pilot exceeded the critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a collision with terrain.
Aug 11, 2015 Driggs, ID N2369D Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and a nose over.
Jul 04, 2014 Tomball, TX N170CC Minor substantial The pilot's loss of directional control during landing rollout, which resulted in a runway excursion and the tailwheel airplane nosing over.
Mar 08, 2014 Mulberry, FL N211R Minor substantial
The failure of the pilot and the parachutist to see and avoid each other, which resulted in the airplane’s wing colliding with the parachute’s suspens…

The failure of the pilot and the parachutist to see and avoid each other, which resulted in the airplane’s wing colliding with the parachute’s suspension lines.

Jan 04, 2014 Nome, AK N8177A Minor substantial The pilot's failure to adequately remove water-contaminated fuel during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Jan 20, 2013 Erie, CO N2323D Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off in gusting wind conditions.
Jun 15, 2012 Biddeford, ME N3812V Minor substantial
A total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s inadequate preflight inspectio…

A total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s inadequate preflight inspection.

Oct 14, 2011 Ramona, CA N8261A Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.
Aug 19, 2011 Jefferson, OR N2789D Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines during the landing approach into the sun.
Feb 11, 2011 Baker Lake, WA N9768A Minor substantial The pilot's encounter with soft terrain during an attempted takeoff from a dry lake bed.
Aug 09, 2010 Salt Lake City, UT N179MM Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll.
Jun 23, 2010 Parker, AZ N432PB Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind.
Sep 11, 2009 Dalhart, TX N2929N Minor substantial The pilot’s decision to land with a tailwind resulting in a loss of directional control.
Mar 26, 2009 Dillingham, AK N2989D Minor substantial
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff and his failure to attain adequate airspeed to avoid an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the…

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff and his failure to attain adequate airspeed to avoid an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum allowable gross weight.

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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