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
Oct 06, 2021 Williston, FL N78604 Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain on approach which resulted in controlled flight into trees. Contributing to the accident was th…

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain on approach which resulted in controlled flight into trees. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the approach path, the dark night conditions and the landing light being off.

Sep 29, 2021 Port Orange, FL N116SV Incident substantial
The separation of the nut from the stud and the fracture of the bolt that secured the crankshaft idler gear to the engine crankcase, which resulted in…

The separation of the nut from the stud and the fracture of the bolt that secured the crankshaft idler gear to the engine crankcase, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to the inability of the left crankshaft idler gear assembly to drive of the camshaft.

Sep 19, 2021 Grass Valley, CA N4977G Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point on the runway while landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway overrun. Con…

The pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point on the runway while landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction due to an electrical issue.

Sep 19, 2021 Auburn, CA N84068 Incident substantial The student pilot’s inadequate flare which resulted in a hard and bounced landing.
Sep 18, 2021 Birchwood, AK N35408 Incident substantial The flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the student pilot, and student pilot’s improper landing flare, resulting in a hard landing.
Sep 15, 2021 Council Bluffs, IA N767CG Incident substantial The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a touch and go landing.
Sep 11, 2021 Kennesaw, GA N9522L Incident substantial The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
Sep 09, 2021 Venice, FL N782JA Incident substantial
Maintenance personnel’s failure to use the correct throttle linkage hardware when reinstalling the engine, resulting in a disconnection of the throttl…

Maintenance personnel’s failure to use the correct throttle linkage hardware when reinstalling the engine, resulting in a disconnection of the throttle during flight.

Sep 02, 2021 Enterprise, OR N3965S Incident substantial
The fatigue fracture of the nose gear upper torque link, which resulted in the separation of the torque link from the shock strut and a loss of direct…

The fatigue fracture of the nose gear upper torque link, which resulted in the separation of the torque link from the shock strut and a loss of directional control.

Aug 29, 2021 Wenatchee, WA N51547 Incident substantial The student pilot’s inadequate inflight navigation and the flight instructors delayed remedial action which resulted in a collision with trees.
Aug 29, 2021 Timisoara, OF D-EABG Incident substantial Investigation pending
Aug 23, 2021 Hayward, CA N737GL Incident substantial The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced hard landing.
Aug 19, 2021 New Braunfels, TX N55245 Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing.
Aug 18, 2021 Louisville, KY N62LU Incident substantial A loss of directional on takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.
Aug 09, 2021 Reno, NV N5735R Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain prior to encountering a downdraft, which resulted in a forced landing and collision…

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain prior to encountering a downdraft, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with terrain.

Aug 09, 2021 Prestwick, UK G-DRAM Incident unk Investigation pending
Aug 07, 2021 Athol, ID N4110L Incident substantial The failure of the windshield during spin recovery for reasons that were not determined.
Aug 06, 2021 Miami, FL N5412D Incident substantial The failure of the flight instructor to maintain the proper rate of descent during the aborted takeoff.
Aug 03, 2021 Tucson, AZ N53350 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain a safe taxi distance from a large turbine-powered airplane, resulting in an encounter of the turbine-powered airplane'…

The pilot's failure to maintain a safe taxi distance from a large turbine-powered airplane, resulting in an encounter of the turbine-powered airplane's jet blast while taxiing.

Jul 31, 2021 Martinsburg, WV N805CP Incident substantial The flight instructor’s loss of directional control after an aerodynamic stall at takeoff.
Jul 27, 2021 Farmingdale, NY N73334 Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with a fuel truck while taxiing
Jul 22, 2021 Almoguera, SP EC-DCP Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jul 22, 2021 Brooksville, FL N472SP Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate distance between the airplane and hangar, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
Jul 21, 2021 Renton, WA N46287 Incident substantial The boat operator’s failure to remain a safe distance from the floatplane during the takeoff run, which resulted in a collision.
Jul 19, 2021 Rochester, NY N489MA Incident substantial The pilot’s excessive speed and improper landing flare which resulted in abnormal runway contact, porpoising, and 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.
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