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
Apr 04, 2023 Chapecó, BR PR-COT Minor substantial Investigation pending
Mar 03, 2023 Loreto, OF OB-1100 Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jan 29, 2023 Cleveland, TX N621EW Minor substantial
The pilot’s decision to attempt the night flight under visual flight rules when instrument meteorological conditions prevailed resulting in the airpla…

The pilot’s decision to attempt the night flight under visual flight rules when instrument meteorological conditions prevailed resulting in the airplane striking trees while on final approach. Contributing to the accident were the unserviceable runway lights at the destination airport.

Dec 21, 2022 Auburn Hills, MI N8768U Minor substantial
The catastrophic engine failure due to lack of oil lubrication, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to follow the airplane and engine manufacturer…

The catastrophic engine failure due to lack of oil lubrication, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to follow the airplane and engine manufacturers’ guidance for cold weather operation.

Oct 27, 2022 Roberta, GA N4349R Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach speed on landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with logs.
Oct 21, 2022 Toughkenamon, PA N80619 Minor substantial
The solo student pilot's improper landing flare and subsequent improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the a…

The solo student pilot's improper landing flare and subsequent improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.

Sep 16, 2022 Ventura, CA N7917G Minor substantial A partial loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the No. 4 exhaust valve.
Sep 12, 2022 Fort Collins, CO N9049H Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain while intentionally maneuvering the airplane at low altitudes, which resulted in substan…

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain while intentionally maneuvering the airplane at low altitudes, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

Sep 09, 2022 BARRANCOMINAS, OF HK2573 Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jul 07, 2022 Silver Springs, NV N7609X Minor substantial A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
Jun 22, 2022 Lancaster, OH N9556H Minor substantial A partial loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice.
Jun 12, 2022 Minot, ND N737BW Minor substantial
The student pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and yaw control of the airplane during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and…

The student pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and yaw control of the airplane during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with the ground.

Jun 06, 2022 Westminster, MD N29501 Minor substantial
The student pilot’s loss of control during a go-around and the delayed remedial action initiated by the flight instructor, which resulted in a runway …

The student pilot’s loss of control during a go-around and the delayed remedial action initiated by the flight instructor, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.

May 28, 2022 Canyon Lake, TX N3842Q Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to retract the flaps during a go-around, which resulted in decreased climb performance and a subsequent collision with trees and t…

The pilot’s failure to retract the flaps during a go-around, which resulted in decreased climb performance and a subsequent collision with trees and terrain.

Apr 25, 2022 Stockbridge, GA N7572T Minor substantial
The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during an unstabilized approach, which resulted in an impact with powerlines and a subsequent loss of …

The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during an unstabilized approach, which resulted in an impact with powerlines and a subsequent loss of control

Apr 23, 2022 Union, SC N737UY Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
Apr 21, 2022 Manhattan, KS N9263H Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat during the approach and his unsuitable flight profile for an upsloping runway, which resulted in a partial …

The pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat during the approach and his unsuitable flight profile for an upsloping runway, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and an impact with terrain during an attempted go-around.

Apr 20, 2022 Blanding, UT N46055 Minor substantial
The pilot’s improper landing flare which, resulted in a bounced landing and loss of airplane control during an aborted landing in gusty wind condition…

The pilot’s improper landing flare which, resulted in a bounced landing and loss of airplane control during an aborted landing in gusty wind conditions.

Apr 03, 2022 Houston, TX N857CP Minor substantial The student pilot’s failure to maintain direction control during takeoff in gusty wind conditions.
Mar 24, 2022 Springtown, TX N733KP Minor substantial A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
Feb 26, 2022 Banning, CA N9010H Minor substantial The solo student pilot's improper landing flare and bounced landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a parked vehicle and hanger.
Feb 12, 2022 Murphysboro, IL N737SY Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during approach for landing.
Dec 10, 2021 Trinidad, OF CP-3060 Minor substantial Investigation pending
Nov 21, 2021 Old Bridge, NJ N8074E Minor destroyed The student pilot’s loss of control during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Nov 14, 2021 Stanley, ID N8509B Minor substantial The pilot's failure to attain sufficient airspeed for the airplane to climb with a tailwind.
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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