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
Dec 24, 2017 Providenciales, TK PR-RTS Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Dec 24, 2017 Union Mills, NC N91SP Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in weather conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power…

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in weather conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing.

Dec 21, 2017 Monroe, MI N4491R Incident substantial
The student pilot’s improper yaw control during the landing flare and the flight instructor’s failure to take remedial action, which resulted in a har…

The student pilot’s improper yaw control during the landing flare and the flight instructor’s failure to take remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.

Dec 14, 2017 Valley Springs, CA N54873 Serious (2) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering for landing and his decision to land on a surface with obstructions.
Dec 09, 2017 Algona, IA N8856B Incident substantial The No. 1 cylinder head separating at the cylinder head-to-barrel interface and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
Dec 08, 2017 Everett, WA N4801D Incident substantial The pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff following a touch-and-go landing with too little runway remaining, which resulted in a runway overrun.
Dec 07, 2017 Auburn, WA N2351U Incident substantial The pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Dec 02, 2017 Park Rapids, MN N524ND Incident substantial The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in the propeller striking the ground.
Dec 02, 2017 Huntingdon, TN N9730F Incident substantial
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident engine examination and testing revealed no preimpact mech…

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident engine examination and testing revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Dec 01, 2017 Miami, FL N537HF Incident substantial The pilot's decision to continue the landing after a loss of visual cues during a night landing.
Nov 30, 2017 Bowie, MD N474SP Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness during the approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction by the ins…

The pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness during the approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction by the instrument panel during the approach.

Nov 26, 2017 Daytona Beach, FL N452ER Incident substantial The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
Nov 25, 2017 Oloh, MS N739KW Minor substantial A partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 3 valve key (exhaust).
Nov 22, 2017 Pittsford, VT N4676L Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorient…

The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.

Nov 22, 2017 Maple Lake, MN N734VH Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Nov 20, 2017 San Diego, CA N172SX Incident substantial An in-flight collision with a bird.
Nov 19, 2017 Chico, CA N9678Q Minor substantial An in-flight collision with a bird.
Nov 19, 2017 San Jose, CA N52492 Serious (2) substantial
The pilot's delayed decision to execute an emergency landing and his attempt to return to the airport following a partial loss of power due to wear on…

The pilot's delayed decision to execute an emergency landing and his attempt to return to the airport following a partial loss of power due to wear on internal engine components, which prevented the engine from developing full-rated power during the airplane's initial climb.

Nov 16, 2017 Opa Locka, FL N6102R Incident substantial
A failure of the airplane 's electrical system, which led to the failure of the landing gear system, for reasons that could not be determined because …

A failure of the airplane 's electrical system, which led to the failure of the landing gear system, for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination and testing revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident were the inoperative landing gear unsafe warning horn and the low voltage warning light.

Nov 16, 2017 Pompano, FL N75919 Incident substantial The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoise.
Nov 09, 2017 Trenton, NJ N2138W Incident substantial The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
Nov 07, 2017 Bonners Ferry, ID N55234 Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude.
Nov 04, 2017 Hatch, NM N251CH Fatal (4) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.

Nov 02, 2017 Redding, CA N2103T Incident substantial
The fatigue separation of the crankshaft due to a fatigue fracture, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and a subsequent off-airport landin…

The fatigue separation of the crankshaft due to a fatigue fracture, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and a subsequent off-airport landing and impact with a fence.

Oct 17, 2017 Old Bridge, NJ N6384D Incident substantial The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
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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