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
Aug 29, 2021 Timisoara, OF D-EABG Incident substantial Investigation pending
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 26, 2021 Olive Branch, MS N12573 Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing with a direct crosswind that resulted in an impact with terrain.
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.

Aug 03, 2021 Iron Mountain, MI N6778A Minor substantial
The mechanics’ failure to follow procedures for high-thrust operations at the nontowered airport, which resulted in jet blast damage to an airplane ta…

The mechanics’ failure to follow procedures for high-thrust operations at the nontowered airport, which resulted in jet blast damage to an airplane taxiing nearby.

Aug 02, 2021 Waxhaw, NC N3090U Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff in sufficient time to stop the airplane on the runway remaining. Contributing to the accident was the lack of…

The pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff in sufficient time to stop the airplane on the runway remaining. Contributing to the accident was the lack of airplane takeoff performance due to the pilot’s failure to assure that the carburetor heat control was in the off position and the elevated density altitude.

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 26, 2021 Eagle River, AK N65698 Fatal (2) substantial
An inflight collision with terrain under unknown circumstances. Contributing to the delayed rescue response was the failure of the emergency locator t…

An inflight collision with terrain under unknown circumstances. Contributing to the delayed rescue response was the failure of the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) to activate as designed, and the mechanic’s failure to ensure the correct ELT was installed and all applicable airworthiness directives complied with in accordance with federal regulations.

Jul 25, 2021 Kernville, CA N728KG Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing after an encounter with a wind gust which resulted in a collision with trees.
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.
Jul 16, 2021 Skwentna, AK N7137T Minor substantial
A partial loss of engine power due to detonation/preignition damage to the No. 2 cylinder. The reason for the detonation/preignition damage could not …

A partial loss of engine power due to detonation/preignition damage to the No. 2 cylinder. The reason for the detonation/preignition damage could not be determined based on the available evidence.

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.

Jul 08, 2021 Beirut, OF OD-AAB Incident destroyed Investigation pending
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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