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 31, 2002 Greeley, CO N7383G Fatal (1) destroyed
the student pilot's improper handling of the airplane's controls (for reason undetermined), and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor. …

the student pilot's improper handling of the airplane's controls (for reason undetermined), and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor. A contributing factor was the high density altitude weather condition.

Jul 17, 2002 Tyner, NC N928CP Fatal (3) destroyed The loss of power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.
Jul 08, 2002 Denton, TX N7550X Fatal (1) substantial The pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude. Contributing factors were the pilot's diverted attention and the runway localizer antenna.
Jul 06, 2002 Otis, OR N738QT Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with power lines while conducting low altitude flight resulting in a loss of control and subsequent…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with power lines while conducting low altitude flight resulting in a loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's low altitude flight and the power lines.

Jun 06, 2002 Palmetto, FL N260WB Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall while maneuvering after a banner release.
Jun 04, 2002 Lutz, FL N942SP Fatal (1) destroyed
The suicidal act by the pilot resulting in the in-flight collision with trees then the ground. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's d…

The suicidal act by the pilot resulting in the in-flight collision with trees then the ground. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's depression. Findings in the investigation were the pilot's overdose of zolpidem and citalopram before the accident flight departed, and his intentional operation of the airplane while impaired by alcohol.

May 23, 2002 Ball Ground, GA N1479Y Fatal (3) destroyed The flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees.
May 07, 2002 MAMAYAC, EC HC-CBV Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Apr 23, 2002 Marthasville, MO N5388R Fatal (1) destroyed The inadequate supervision and the stall encountered by the certified flight instructor.
Apr 17, 2002 Pico, Duarte, DR HI-375 Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Mar 16, 2002 Ocean City, MD N96811 Fatal (4) destroyed
The pilot's spatial disorientation, which resulted in his subsequent loss of control of the airplane. A factor was the dark night, over water visual …

The pilot's spatial disorientation, which resulted in his subsequent loss of control of the airplane. A factor was the dark night, over water visual conditions.

Mar 06, 2002 Bunnell, FL N75908 Fatal (2) substantial
Inadequate maintenance inspection of the airplane by comapny maintenance personnel which resulted in corrosion in an aileron control cable going undet…

Inadequate maintenance inspection of the airplane by comapny maintenance personnel which resulted in corrosion in an aileron control cable going undetected, failure of the aileron control cable, and impact with terrain following loss of control of the airplane.

Jan 05, 2002 Tampa, FL N2371N Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's unauthorized use of an aircraft for the purpose of commiting suicide.
Jan 05, 2002 Boulder, CO N78035 Fatal (1) destroyed
the pilot's intentional suicidal flight into terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's psychological depressive state, and his use of inappropri…

the pilot's intentional suicidal flight into terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's psychological depressive state, and his use of inappropriate medication.

Dec 25, 2001 SAN CLEMENTE, CA N738BC Fatal (2) destroyed
a loss of engine power due to a loss of magneto to engine timing resulting from stress corrosion crack induced fracture, and separation of the magneto…

a loss of engine power due to a loss of magneto to engine timing resulting from stress corrosion crack induced fracture, and separation of the magneto impulse coupling spring.

Oct 18, 2001 South Hero, VT N8255B Fatal (3) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and the airplane's high gross weight co…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and the airplane's high gross weight condition.

Oct 03, 2001 Decatur Island, WA N733SW Fatal (3) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a low altitude turn, resulting in a stall. The pilot exceeding the aircraft's maximum gross takeoff w…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a low altitude turn, resulting in a stall. The pilot exceeding the aircraft's maximum gross takeoff weight was a factor.

Sep 16, 2001 Tucson, AZ N4312Q Fatal (1) destroyed the pilot's controlled descent into a residence for undetermined reasons.
Aug 27, 2001 Matawan, NJ N629PD Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the initial climb. Factors were the pilot's failure to perform a go-around, the pilot's lack …

The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the initial climb. Factors were the pilot's failure to perform a go-around, the pilot's lack of flight experience in nighttime conditions, the nighttime conditions, and a tailwind.

Jul 01, 2001 Sonnblick, AU D-EZMB Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 16, 2001 Newfane, VT N7106T Fatal (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to a narcotic painkiller and antihistamine.
Jun 15, 2001 Waveland, MS N4734R Fatal (1) destroyed
The incapacitation of the pilot (cardiovascular) resulting in his inability to fly the airplane and subsequent in-flight collision with trees then a h…

The incapacitation of the pilot (cardiovascular) resulting in his inability to fly the airplane and subsequent in-flight collision with trees then a house.

May 06, 2001 WICHITA, KS N733RK Fatal (2) destroyed
the student pilot not maintaining clearance from the tower support wire during the practice emergency landing maneuver and the instructor pilot's inad…

the student pilot not maintaining clearance from the tower support wire during the practice emergency landing maneuver and the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision of the student pilot. Factors relating to the accident were the static wire and the low altitude.

Apr 13, 2001 Bay City, TX N5638T Fatal (1) destroyed
the pilot's delay in taking remedial action (contacting ATC) after he became lost/disoriented during a night cross country flight, which resulted in a…

the pilot's delay in taking remedial action (contacting ATC) after he became lost/disoriented during a night cross country flight, which resulted in a forced landing due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors to the accident were the pilot's failure to contact a flight service station for a weather briefing, the low clouds and dark night light conditions.

Apr 01, 2001 Rialto, CA N739WE Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's intentional visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper weather evalua…

The pilot's intentional visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper weather evaluation and lack of total experience.

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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