Cessna 172 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 6810 events recorded from 1974 to 2026.

6810

All Events

4223

Incidents

1048

Minor

542

Serious

960

Fatal (1802 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jul 04, 2004 La Junta, CO N3581S Incident destroyed
the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and adequate airspeed during the go-around resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to…

the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and adequate airspeed during the go-around resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the low airspeed and altitude.

Jul 04, 2004 Wellsboro, PA N10DJ Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the crosswind.
Jul 01, 2004 Winston Salem, NC N71409 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the fence post, while taxing which resulted in a collision.
Jun 30, 2004 Stevensville, MD N421RW Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare during touch down, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jun 26, 2004 Fishers, IN N229ME Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate remedial actions after an inadequate landing flare and subsequent hard landing. Additional causes were the pilot-induced porpo…

The pilot's inadequate remedial actions after an inadequate landing flare and subsequent hard landing. Additional causes were the pilot-induced porpoise and the collapse of the nose landing gear.

Jun 26, 2004 Glendale, AZ N35389 Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in a veer off the runway and collision with terrain.
Jun 25, 2004 Asheville, NC N2116P Serious (1) substantial The CFII's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clear of objects during flight. Factors were clouds and dark night.
Jun 24, 2004 San Antonio, TX N810SA Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing.
Jun 23, 2004 Springfield, OH N65612 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall and hard landing.
Jun 21, 2004 Hartford, CT N356ES Incident substantial The student pilot's improper flare and inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor was the gusty winds.
Jun 19, 2004 Kennesaw, GA N52846 Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll that resulted in the on ground collision with the ground, and the subs…

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll that resulted in the on ground collision with the ground, and the subsequent collapse of the nose gear.

Jun 16, 2004 McKinney, TX N2101M Incident substantial The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Jun 15, 2004 Trinidad, BL CP-1613 Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 13, 2004 Meridianville, AL N98981 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an attempted takeoff, which resulted in the on ground collision with the ground.
Jun 12, 2004 Dover, TN N5153E Incident substantial
The certified flight instructor initiated flight into thunderstorm activity that resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with trees…

The certified flight instructor initiated flight into thunderstorm activity that resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with trees.

Jun 12, 2004 Madisonville, TN N8777U Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering on a touch and go landing resulting in a stall and collision with the ground.
Jun 10, 2004 Passaic, NJ N53565 Incident substantial A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the evasive maneuver on the ground.
Jun 10, 2004 Hillsboro, ND N737SV Incident substantial Directional control not obtained/maintained by the pilot during landing roll.
Jun 04, 2004 Milwaukee, WI N50923 Incident substantial The CFI failed to maintain adequate airspeed during the go-around which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
May 31, 2004 Mesquite, TX N98885 Incident substantial The student pilot's delayed landing flare and the improper supervision provided by the flight instructor.
May 31, 2004 Levelland, TX N61663 Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for the winds.
May 29, 2004 Worcester, MA N73704 Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor in the accident was the gusting w…

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor in the accident was the gusting wind.

May 29, 2004 Vernonia, OR N5440H Incident substantial The instructor pilot's misjudgment of speed and distance and his failure to execute a go-around resulting in an overrun of the runway.
May 24, 2004 Decatur, TX N5302E Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to follow the flight instructor's instructions and relinquish the controls, and the flight instructor's delay in initiatin…

The student pilot's failure to follow the flight instructor's instructions and relinquish the controls, and the flight instructor's delay in initiating a go-around.

May 17, 2004 Pembroke Pines, FL N737FE Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to establish a climb and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted landing leading to the airp…

The pilot's failure to establish a climb and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted landing leading to the airplane departing the runway and incurring substantial damage.

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.
← Cessna 172 For Sale All Cessna Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data
View 423 Cessna 172 for sale ↓