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 11, 2024 Englewood, CO N20747 Minor substantial A partial loss of engine power due to fuel-oil contamination of the fuel injection servo.
Aug 20, 2024 Weslaco, TX N2037Y Minor substantial The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing.
Jul 13, 2024 West Bend, WI N129GW Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Jul 02, 2024 San Diego, CA N74C Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jun 03, 2024 Terryville, CT N78445 Minor substantial A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
May 26, 2024 Pierson, FL N1254D Minor substantial
The flight instructor’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a runway excursion during landing…

The flight instructor’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a runway excursion during landing.

May 02, 2024 West Chicago, IL N20095 Minor substantial The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an encounter with wind while holding short of the runway.
May 01, 2024 Westminster, MD N1377U Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point during a simulated loss of engine power approach, which resulted in a hard landing short of the…

The pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point during a simulated loss of engine power approach, which resulted in a hard landing short of the runway. Also causal was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during the approach and subsequent aborted landing.

Apr 15, 2024 Manassas, VA N8337X Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat before reducing engine power during a prolonged descent while operating in environmental conditions condu…

The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat before reducing engine power during a prolonged descent while operating in environmental conditions conducive to the development of carburetor ice, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

Apr 06, 2024 HUASNA, CA N8907B Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low altitude maneuver, resulting in a loss of control.
Mar 24, 2024 Opelika, AL N863AU Minor substantial A partial loss of engine power due to a combination of fuel/oil contamination in the fuel injector assembly.
Mar 09, 2024 Homestead, FL N5171H Minor substantial
A loss of engine power due to carburetor ice as a result of the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat in conditions conducive to the formation of car…

A loss of engine power due to carburetor ice as a result of the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat in conditions conducive to the formation of carburetor ice.

Feb 26, 2024 Clarion, IA N35719 Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare in a crosswind with gusts.
Feb 20, 2024 San Marcos, TX N6762A Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient clearance from a large multi-engine airplane during taxi operations.
Feb 16, 2024 Pierson, FL N8257L Minor substantial The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
Jan 30, 2024 Terrell, TX N8805Z Minor substantial The total loss of engine power during the initial climb due to fuel exhaustion.
Nov 26, 2023 Vera Cruz, OF PT-OOB Minor substantial Investigation pending
Nov 10, 2023 Orlando, FL N91PF Minor substantial A partial loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.
Oct 02, 2023 Arlington, TX N397ES Minor substantial
A reported loss of engine power during the landing approach due to undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with a fence…

A reported loss of engine power during the landing approach due to undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with a fence.

Sep 20, 2023 Compton, CA N733ZN Minor substantial
The total loss of engine power on takeoff due to water-contaminated fuel. Contributing to the accident was the inadequately maintained fuel system, wh…

The total loss of engine power on takeoff due to water-contaminated fuel. Contributing to the accident was the inadequately maintained fuel system, which resulted in water entering the fuel tanks through the filler caps.

Aug 03, 2023 Philadelphia, PA N860TW Minor substantial
The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain control during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate …

The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain control during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the flight.

Jul 10, 2023 Long Beach, CA N3307E Minor substantial The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing and the subsequent go-around, which resulted in impact with a hangar.
Jun 18, 2023 Seymore, TN N12395 Minor substantial
The flight instructor’s failure to properly configure the wing flaps for a soft-field takeoff on a short runway, which resulted in a runway overrun an…

The flight instructor’s failure to properly configure the wing flaps for a soft-field takeoff on a short runway, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with trees.

May 29, 2023 Divide, CO N8098X Minor substantial A loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined.
May 19, 2023 Seattle, WA N2550L Minor substantial A stuck exhaust valve that resulted in a partial loss of engine power and a forced water ditching.
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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