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
Sep 07, 2020 Wilmington, DE N19813 Incident substantial The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing.
Aug 27, 2020 Weston, FL N65645 Incident substantial A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the Nos. 1 and 3 connecting rods from lack of lubrication.
Aug 18, 2020 Phoenix, AZ N103VK Incident substantial
The pilot's improper pitch attitude and landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructors delay…

The pilot's improper pitch attitude and landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructors delayed remedial action.

Aug 08, 2020 Englewood, CO N79110 Incident substantial The student pilot misjudged the landing flare which resulted in a loss of control and a hard bounced landing.
Aug 02, 2020 Conway, AR N13184 Incident substantial The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Aug 02, 2020 San Jose, CA N55231 Incident substantial The airplane’s collision with a bird while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern.
Jul 29, 2020 Hudson, NY N6705E Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with vegetation.
Jul 13, 2020 Fort Lauderdale, FL N5280D Incident substantial
The failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other while taxiing, which resulted in a ground collision. Contributing to the accident was the tower…

The failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other while taxiing, which resulted in a ground collision. Contributing to the accident was the tower controller’s failure to provide information to each pilot regarding the position and intention of the other pilot.

Jul 12, 2020 Concord, CA N9559D Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when the airplane drifted off of runway centerline and subsequently collided with a taxiway s…

The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when the airplane drifted off of runway centerline and subsequently collided with a taxiway sign during a go-around.

Jul 11, 2020 Pickens, SC N737WA Incident substantial The student pilot's improper landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jul 09, 2020 Auburn, ME N722SA Incident substantial The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing on the nosegear and nosegear collapse.
Jul 05, 2020 Prattville, AL N173ME Incident substantial The student pilot's failure improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jul 01, 2020 Chesapeake, VA N9391H Incident substantial The student pilot's improper landing flare and failure to recover from the ensuing bounced landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Jul 01, 2020 Meadville, PA N9127H Incident substantial The pilot's distraction while taxiing, which resulted in a taxiway excursion.
Jun 19, 2020 Churchville, MD N21585 Incident substantial The student pilot's improper landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jun 12, 2020 Reedsburg, WI N738VY Incident substantial The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted a hard, bounced landing.
Jun 12, 2020 Bowling Green, MO N65773 Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
Jun 09, 2020 Santa Barbara, CA N75989 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a fence.
Jun 08, 2020 Lubbock, TX N92356 Incident substantial The pilot's improper approach and descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jun 03, 2020 Las Vegas, NV N478ER Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during a soft-field takeoff and the flight instructor's delayed remedial a…

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during a soft-field takeoff and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

May 31, 2020 Lakeview, AR N52794 Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff.
May 21, 2020 Houma, LA N365CP Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a ground obstacle during landing.
May 14, 2020 Tucson, AZ N63931 Incident substantial
The pilot improper fuel management, which resulted in running the left fuel tank empty and a subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvat…

The pilot improper fuel management, which resulted in running the left fuel tank empty and a subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Apr 22, 2020 Ft Worth, TX N13005 Incident substantial
The student pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action to initiate a go-around, which resul…

The student pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action to initiate a go-around, which resulted in a runway overrun and impact with runway lights and fences.

Apr 16, 2020 Enid, OK N737RR Incident substantial
The flight instructor's delayed remedial action during a power-off approach and go-around in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing…

The flight instructor's delayed remedial action during a power-off approach and go-around in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and a runway excursion onto a field.

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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