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 11, 2021 Eagle Butte, SD N5340R Incident substantial A total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the No. 6 connecting rod.
Jul 10, 2021 Petaluma, CA N996RA Incident substantial
The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing following a partial loss of electrical power. Contributing to the accident was the…

The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing following a partial loss of electrical power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction and hampered visual function.

Jun 25, 2021 Mount Pocono, PA N5185U Incident substantial The pilot’s loss of aircraft control following a bounced landing.
Jun 20, 2021 Moose Creek Ranger Station, ID N79523 Incident substantial The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a bounced hard landing and subsequent nose over.
Jun 17, 2021 Clarksville, TN N35585 Incident substantial The flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Jun 13, 2021 Groton, CT N430EP Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with an airport sign…

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with an airport sign.

Jun 12, 2021 Fields, OR N20406 Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing on a highway, which resulted in an impact with terrain and subsequent nose over.
Jun 11, 2021 Yelm, WA N513WF Incident substantial A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
Jun 10, 2021 Saint James, LA N365CP Incident substantial The in-flight fatigue failure of an air-conditioning system hose which resulted in a precautionary landing and impact with a road sign.
Jun 02, 2021 Washington, CA N3871L Incident substantial A total loss of engine power during an enroute climb due to a stuck exhaust valve and multiple failed piston compression rings.
May 16, 2021 Finca El Estanco – Municipio de Tenjo, Cundinamrca, CO HK4418G Incident substantial Investigation pending
May 13, 2021 Gulf Shores, AL N5170K Incident substantial The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of control during an attempted go-around.
May 12, 2021 Johnson City, TN N6344E Incident substantial
The student pilot’s excessive airspeed during the landing approach and his delayed remedial action, which resulted in the airplane striking obstacles …

The student pilot’s excessive airspeed during the landing approach and his delayed remedial action, which resulted in the airplane striking obstacles during an aborted landing. Contributing was the pilot’s decision to land with a tailwind.

May 08, 2021 Tucson, AZ N54140 Incident substantial The student pilot’s improper pitch control and landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounce and subsequent porpoised landing.
May 08, 2021 Miami, FL N9795B Incident substantial The collapse of the left main landing gear for reasons that could not be determined.
May 05, 2021 Lewiston, ID N733BT Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during taxiing in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a taxiway excursion and collision with a…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during taxiing in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a taxiway excursion and collision with a fence.

May 02, 2021 Martinsville, VA N1089D Incident substantial The pilot’s improper pitch control during a go-around in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a tail strike and a runway excursion.
Apr 24, 2021 Fredericksburg, VA N80874 Incident substantial
The student pilot reported that, during the landing roll, he applied brakes and the airplane veered right. He was unable to correct back to the center…

The student pilot reported that, during the landing roll, he applied brakes and the airplane veered right. He was unable to correct back to the centerline or brake effectively; the airplane exited the runway and struck an embankment before coming to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed damage to the right brake torque plate. The right brake became stuck when actuated and sometimes required prying to release. After the torque plate was replaced, the brake functioned without any anomalies.

Apr 17, 2021 Venice, FL N60457 Incident substantial A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Apr 14, 2021 Bellingham, WA N51380 Incident substantial The student pilot’s inadequate flare resulting in a loss of control during landing with a crosswind and subsequent nose over.
Apr 06, 2021 Orangeburg, SC N22467 Incident substantial The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing.
Apr 06, 2021 Fayetteville, NC N5424R Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent noseover.
Mar 19, 2021 Toledo, SP EC-FJS Incident substantial Investigation pending
Mar 17, 2021 Watkins, CO N786CP Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff and the instructor pilot’s inadequate supervision of the pilot’s takeoff.
Feb 26, 2021 Boynton Beach, FL N5631E Incident substantial A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
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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