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
Oct 12, 2011 Cornelius, OR N52013 Incident substantial The airplane’s encounter with an unseen hole or obstacle on the grass runway.
Oct 06, 2011 Agana, USA N9853L Incident substantial The pilot's failure to avoid the jet blast while taxiing and the ground air traffic controller's failure to advise the pilot of the hazard.
Sep 30, 2011 Westminster, MD N11019 Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's imp…

The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper approach airspeed for a short-field landing.
Sep 28, 2011 Napa, CA N21284 Incident substantial The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Sep 24, 2011 Houston, TX N72566 Incident substantial The pilot of the other airplane’s failure to maintain visual contact while taxiing.
Sep 22, 2011 Wadsworth, OH N9348E Incident substantial The pilot's misjudgment of his speed and distance, which resulted in an overrun.
Sep 14, 2011 Wendover, UT N9197H Incident substantial The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose over.
Sep 14, 2011 Naples, FL N10632 Incident substantial The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent loss of directional control.
Sep 08, 2011 Phoenix, AZ N5275S Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Sep 05, 2011 Bemidji, MN N548ND Incident substantial The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aug 31, 2011 Plymouth, MA N739RU Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Aug 29, 2011 Plymouth, MI N172LD Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to perform a go-around when the airplane was not in a position to make a safe landing and his excessive use of bank control during…

The pilot's failure to perform a go-around when the airplane was not in a position to make a safe landing and his excessive use of bank control during the landing attempt, which resulted in the wing striking the ground.
Aug 18, 2011 Winnsboro, LA N3209E Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff with a gusting crosswind.
Aug 14, 2011 San Diego, CA N216AF Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles while taxiing.
Aug 13, 2011 Elkins, WV N5399Q Incident substantial The flight instructor's unfamiliarity with the geographic area, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.
Aug 08, 2011 St. Augustine, FL N65777 Incident substantial The student pilot's loss of directional control while attempting to close the airplane's door during takeoff roll.
Aug 05, 2011 Sylacauga, AL N7214G Incident substantial A stuck exhaust-valve on the number one cylinder which resulted in a loss of engine power.
Jul 23, 2011 Middleton, WI N7624X Incident substantial
The total loss of engine power during climb after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any…

The total loss of engine power during climb after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Jul 23, 2011 Lincoln Park, NJ N869BC Incident substantial The pilot’s improper touchdown point, resulting in a runway overrun and collision with a guardrail.
Jul 17, 2011 Porthill, ID N733BT Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a pole.
Jul 06, 2011 Baltimore, MD N65659 Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control following a bounced landing.
Jul 04, 2011 Orange Beach, AL N109DP Incident substantial
The operation of the airplane using unapproved fuels, which resulted in abnormal combustion and subsequent damage to the No. 3 cylinder. Contributing …

The operation of the airplane using unapproved fuels, which resulted in abnormal combustion and subsequent damage to the No. 3 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate 100-hour inspection because the mechanic failed to note the lack of placards by either fuel filler cap specifying the minimum automotive fuel grade and no alcohol allowed as specified by the installed STC’s.
Jul 01, 2011 Cambridge, MD N789EP Incident substantial The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Jun 27, 2011 Price, UT N674SP Incident substantial
The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff at a density altitude outside of the takeoff performance envelope of the aircraft along with using an aircra…

The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff at a density altitude outside of the takeoff performance envelope of the aircraft along with using an aircraft flap setting higher than the manufacture's recommended setting for takeoff.
Jun 26, 2011 Olympia, WA N5366J Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles.
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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