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 30, 2020 Higginsville, MO N461CM Incident substantial The airplane’s collision with a deer on the runway during takeoff at night.
Sep 29, 2020 Big Rapids, MI N79300 Incident substantial The airplane’s impact with a deer during takeoff.
Sep 29, 2020 Spring, TX N75634 Minor substantial The student pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during climb and subsequent impact with terrain.
Sep 23, 2020 La Grange, NC N5439E Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during final approach, which resulted in a collision with trees.
Sep 22, 2020 Riyadh, SA N9056K Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Sep 21, 2020 Lafayette, IN N6330V Incident substantial
The separation failure of a landing gear system hydraulic line and its compression fitting during cruise flight, which resulted in a partial gear up l…

The separation failure of a landing gear system hydraulic line and its compression fitting during cruise flight, which resulted in a partial gear up landing.

Sep 13, 2020 Houston, TX N7562F Minor substantial The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control upon landing.
Sep 13, 2020 Seeley Lake, MT N3720R Fatal (2) substantial
The noninstrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during a night visual approach due to wildfire smoke, which result…

The noninstrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during a night visual approach due to wildfire smoke, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

Sep 13, 2020 Stanley, ID N52700 Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance after flying into the wrong canyon in mountainous terrain which resulted in a collision with trees a…

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance after flying into the wrong canyon in mountainous terrain which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.

Sep 13, 2020 Cottage Grove, MN N8488L Fatal (3) destroyed A steep descent and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Sep 07, 2020 Wilmington, DE N19813 Incident substantial The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing.
Sep 07, 2020 Stuart Island, WA N172CS Minor substantial The pilot’s improper approach airspeed and landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and nose over.
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 26, 2020 Springs, SF ZE-OET Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
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 Valdau, RS RA-67551 Incident Investigation pending
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 25, 2020 Blatten - VS, SZ HB-TLF Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 19, 2020 Wellington, FL N1655V Serious (1) substantial The pilot’s inadequate compensation for a wind gust during landing.
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.
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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