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 22, 2020 Riyadh, SA N9056K Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
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 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.
Aug 26, 2020 Springs, SF ZE-OET Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Jul 25, 2020 Blatten - VS, SZ HB-TLF Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 07, 2020 Lake Tahoe, CA N6328D Fatal (2) destroyed The partial loss of engine power due to carbon buildup in the No. 4 cylinder resulting from the pilot’s inadequate mixture-leaning procedures.
Jul 03, 2020 Alpine, UT N6929H Fatal (4) destroyed The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack while maneuvering in a canyon, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
Jun 06, 2020 New Washington, IN N13520 Fatal (1) destroyed A high velocity descent and impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.
Mar 03, 2020 Lincoln, IL N157SF Fatal (3) destroyed
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an aerial survey, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too l…

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an aerial survey, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low to recover.

Jan 06, 2020 Newborn, GA N1612F Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot’s impairment/incapacitation from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a degraded muffler. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure t…

The pilot’s impairment/incapacitation from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a degraded muffler. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly maintain the airplane.

Nov 25, 2019 Near Puffin Island, Anglesey, UK G-CBXJ Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Nov 17, 2019 Los Andes/San Raphael, CI CC-AMQ Fatal (1) Investigation pending
Oct 19, 2019 San Salvador, ES N7381G Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Oct 10, 2019 Aberdeen, SD N6483B Fatal (1) destroyed The noncertificated pilot’s decision to fly in dark night instrument conditions, resulting in impact with terrain.
Oct 06, 2019 Sultanpur, IN VT-RGF Fatal (2) substantial Investigation pending
Oct 05, 2019 Maharashtra, IN VT-HRP Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Sep 05, 2019 Racine, CA C-GSEN Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 28, 2019 McKenzie Bridge, OR N4108F Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's delayed climb and misjudgment of the airplane’s performance and the runway distance needed to clear obstacles at the end of the runway, wh…

The pilot's delayed climb and misjudgment of the airplane’s performance and the runway distance needed to clear obstacles at the end of the runway, which resulted in a collision with trees and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's insufficient experience landing and taking off at mountain airports.

Aug 16, 2019 Pretoria, SF ZS-LMI Fatal (2) substantial Investigation pending
Jul 22, 2019 Cangkring, ID PK-WUG Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Jul 13, 2019 Katy, TX N517LA Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot’s loss of airplane control and subsequent impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Jul 10, 2019 Anji, CH B-10NH Fatal (1) Investigation pending
Jul 06, 2019 Oxford, MS N994CP Fatal (1) destroyed
The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during a go around with a tailwind, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with…

The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during a go around with a tailwind, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.

Jun 27, 2019 Pescadero, CA N3504A Fatal (1) destroyed Impact with the ocean for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not located.
Jun 13, 2019 Sailagouse, France, FR F-GEJD Fatal (2) 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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