Cessna 170B Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 405 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

405

All Events

311

Incidents

39

Minor

26

Serious

29

Fatal (47 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Mar 21, 1998 DILLINGHAM, AK N3179B Incident substantial
The pilot-in-command's decision to relinquish controls to the student pilot in the left seat during practice landings, and the pilot-in-command's fail…

The pilot-in-command's decision to relinquish controls to the student pilot in the left seat during practice landings, and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control. A factor contributing to this accident was the pilot-in-command's lack of certification as a flight instructor.

Oct 24, 1997 FERNLEY, NV N3155A Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a delayed go-around after an improper decision to continue an approach to an unlighted runway…

the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a delayed go-around after an improper decision to continue an approach to an unlighted runway without adequate visual references. Ground fog was a factor in this accident.

Sep 23, 1997 LIME VILLAGE, AK N1831C Incident substantial The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff.
Sep 01, 1997 PAXSON, AK N4520C Serious (2) substantial
The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat during a takeoff in carburetor icing conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's dec…

The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat during a takeoff in carburetor icing conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's decision to operate the airplane with known deficiencies (a disabled stall warning horn), an inadvertent stall, and the presence of carburetor icing conditions.

Aug 14, 1997 JAMESTOWN, NY N3454C Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a crosswind landing.
Aug 02, 1997 JUNEAU, AK N3491C Incident substantial The pilot's selection of an unsuitable off-airport site for takeoff, and his premature lift-off.
Jul 06, 1997 JACKSON, WY N211R Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Gusting wind conditions was a factor.
Jul 05, 1997 BEND, OR N37RA Serious (1) substantial the pilot's failure to attain a proper climb rate. High density altitude and the pilot's failure to use all of the available runway were factors.
Jul 05, 1997 KARLIN, MI N2416D Fatal (2) destroyed
the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his inadequate visual lookout while b…

the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his inadequate visual lookout while buzzing, which resulted in failure to see-and-avoid the top (ground/static) wires of an electrical power line.

May 10, 1997 ONTARIO, OR N8224A Incident substantial The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions. A factor contributing to the accident was gusting winds.
May 04, 1997 DILLINGHAM, AK N1828C Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A factor relating to the acciden…

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A factor relating to the accident was: the crosswind.

Apr 29, 1997 ANCHORAGE, AK N3417C Incident substantial
the flight instructor's inadequate preflight by failing to ensure his seat was properly latched, and his resultant failure (or inability) to recover f…

the flight instructor's inadequate preflight by failing to ensure his seat was properly latched, and his resultant failure (or inability) to recover from the student pilot's bounced landing. A factor associated with the accident was: the student pilot's improper flare during the landing.

Apr 05, 1997 FURNACE CREEK, CA N2294D Minor substantial
Fuel starvation resulting from disconnection of the fuel selector valve. Factors which contributed to the accident were the pilot's intentional opera…

Fuel starvation resulting from disconnection of the fuel selector valve. Factors which contributed to the accident were the pilot's intentional operation with known airplane deficiencies and the rough terrain.

Mar 16, 1997 FAIRBANKS, AK N3486C Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Jan 26, 1997 TOLEDO, WA N4590C Incident substantial
The pilot's excessive application of the brakes on a tailwheel equipped aircraft. Factors include the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditi…

The pilot's excessive application of the brakes on a tailwheel equipped aircraft. Factors include the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and a crosswind blowing at the time of the landing.

Dec 14, 1996 SAVOY, IL N2506C Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors relating to this accident were the student pilot's failure to request another ru…

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors relating to this accident were the student pilot's failure to request another runway and the crosswind.

Nov 15, 1996 MANVEL, TX N25JM Incident substantial Loss of aircraft control due to the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind. A factor was the crosswind.
Oct 25, 1996 UTICA, MT N2419D Incident substantial The pilot's improper use of the brakes, while landing a tailwheel aircraft in crosswind conditions. The crosswind was a related factor.
Sep 13, 1996 CONCORD, CA N2916D Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. The 40-degree crosswind component was a factor in this accident.
Sep 09, 1996 DILLINGHAM, AK N2989D Incident substantial the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for taxiing.
Aug 18, 1996 VICTORIA, TX N600JM Minor substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. A related factor was the rough/uneven terrain (gopher mo…

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. A related factor was the rough/uneven terrain (gopher mound) on the grass runway.

Aug 18, 1996 CANTWELL, AK N3546C Incident substantial A failure of the pilot to provide sufficient takeoff distance from the edge of the departure lake and his premature liftoff.
Jul 30, 1996 NORTHWAY, AK N4464B Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.
Jul 18, 1996 TYONEK, AK N2813C Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Jul 13, 1996 ARLINGTON, WA N170EC Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve. The crosswind and wet runway were …

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve. The crosswind and wet runway were related factors.

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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