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
Feb 18, 2010 Albany, OH N9771B Minor substantial
The pilot’s decision to initiate and continue the flight into known icing conditions with an airplane not properly equipped for flight into icing cond…

The pilot’s decision to initiate and continue the flight into known icing conditions with an airplane not properly equipped for flight into icing conditions which exceeded the capabilities of the airplane.

Feb 14, 2010 Genoa City, WI N24CV Minor substantial
A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the bolts that held in place the connecting rods to the engine's No. 3 and No. 4 cylinders as a res…

A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the bolts that held in place the connecting rods to the engine's No. 3 and No. 4 cylinders as a result of the engine overhaul facility's improper installation of the bolts during a recent overhaul.

Jan 06, 2010 Ramona, CA N35414 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go landing.
Dec 17, 2009 Corona, CA N8520U Minor substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Oct 17, 2009 Honolulu, HI N5329L Minor substantial The student pilot's distraction and subsequent loss of airplane control after the cabin window opened during the takeoff roll.
Sep 27, 2009 Factoryville, PA N5123E Minor substantial
The flight instructor's delayed decision to take control of the airplane and execute a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the lack of c…

The flight instructor's delayed decision to take control of the airplane and execute a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the lack of communication between the certificated flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction.

Sep 13, 2009 Park Rapids, MN N523ND Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate during a night takeoff.
Sep 13, 2009 Hillsville, VA N734TV Minor substantial The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
Aug 25, 2009 Rockaway, NJ N6117R Minor substantial A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation for undetermined reasons.
Jul 14, 2009 Boyd, TX N2446F Minor substantial A total loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper leaning procedures, resulting in a forced landing and collision with a fence.
Jun 27, 2009 USAFA, CO N52298 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain a safe flying airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall during the go-around.
Jun 22, 2009 McCall, ID N12463 Minor substantial
A total loss of engine power during descent due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to determine the fuel quantity prior to departur…

A total loss of engine power during descent due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to determine the fuel quantity prior to departure.

May 17, 2009 Burlington, WA N70323 Minor substantial Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate visual lookout during the approach.
Apr 27, 2009 Chesterfield, SC N9884Q Minor substantial
The partial loss of engine power due to a broken exhaust valve. Contributing to the accident was the operator's exceedance of the engine manufacturer'…

The partial loss of engine power due to a broken exhaust valve. Contributing to the accident was the operator's exceedance of the engine manufacturer's recommended time before overhaul.

Apr 25, 2009 Como, MS N5683T Minor substantial The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Feb 20, 2009 Big Bear Lake, CA N6443E Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a ravine. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to contin…

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a ravine. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight in an area that exceeded the climb rate capabilities of the airplane.

Feb 14, 2009 Ica, PE OB-1093 Minor substantial None.
Feb 09, 2009 Bow, WA N2404Y Minor substantial
A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and failure to verify the fuel quantity…

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and failure to verify the fuel quantity on board.

Feb 07, 2009 Atmautluak, AK N5246D Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while landing in gusty winds, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall; his improper aircraft weight c…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while landing in gusty winds, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall; his improper aircraft weight calculations; and his operation of the airplane over the allowable gross weight limit.

Nov 19, 2008 Groton, CT N2337F Minor substantial
The student pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent profile to avoid trees during the night visual approach and the flight instructor’s inadequat…

The student pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent profile to avoid trees during the night visual approach and the flight instructor’s inadequate oversight.

Oct 23, 2008 Coolidge, AZ N7822T Minor substantial
A total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspecti…

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

Sep 01, 2008 Three Lakes, WI N12809 Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude to avoid the trees during initial climb. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to en…

The pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude to avoid the trees during initial climb. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to ensure the security of the entrance door before takeoff and the unintentional opening of the door.

Aug 16, 2008 Huntington, IN N733KC Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertent use of the toe …

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertent use of the toe brake.

Aug 03, 2008 Jefferson, NC N73594 Minor substantial
A loss of directional control during the takeoff roll for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the severity of the event was the descending embankmen…

A loss of directional control during the takeoff roll for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the severity of the event was the descending embankment adjacent to the runway.

Aug 02, 2008 Tomahawk, WI N6520R Minor substantial
A total loss of engine power due to a loss of all of the engine's oil as a result of the safety wire on the governor idler gear shaft's oil plug break…

A total loss of engine power due to a loss of all of the engine's oil as a result of the safety wire on the governor idler gear shaft's oil plug breaking, leading to the oil plug coming unscrewed. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a suitable area for a forced landing.

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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