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
Jan 18, 2009 Emporia, KS N2465H Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the touch-and-go. Contributing to the accident were the gusty crosswinds.
Jan 10, 2009 Carson City, NV N6272R Incident substantial The overload failure of the landing gear actuator at an undetermined time.
Jan 01, 2009 Lancaster, NY N2228L Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of solo flight e…

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of solo flight experience and the snow bank located off the left side of the runway.

Dec 28, 2008 Girdwood, AK N453SP Incident substantial
The flight instructor's lack of action to correct a high and fast landing approach which resulted in a long landing, and subsequent collision with a s…

The flight instructor's lack of action to correct a high and fast landing approach which resulted in a long landing, and subsequent collision with a snow berm at the end of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's improper approach.

Dec 27, 2008 Morristown, NJ N178AF Incident substantial
The flight instructor's failure to execute a missed approach when insufficient runway remained for landing. Contributing to the accident were the low …

The flight instructor's failure to execute a missed approach when insufficient runway remained for landing. Contributing to the accident were the low ceiling and visibility conditions.

Dec 21, 2008 Corning, NY N6621D Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident were the gusty wind conditions and the flight…

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident were the gusty wind conditions and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

Dec 02, 2008 Truckee, CA N172MN Incident substantial The pilot misjudged the landing flare resulting in a hard landing.
Nov 29, 2008 Sedona, AZ N98774 Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Nov 27, 2008 Frederick, MD N35540 Incident substantial The student pilot's delayed decision to abort the landing.
Nov 26, 2008 Waukesha, WI N833SP Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff and his failure to ensure that the elevator trim was properly set before takeoff. Con…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff and his failure to ensure that the elevator trim was properly set before takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of autopilot system knowledge.

Nov 19, 2008 Cleveland, MS N941SM Incident substantial The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear prior to touchdown.
Nov 17, 2008 Ft. Lauderdale, FL N12236 Incident substantial The student pilot's improper flare during landing. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of experience.
Nov 17, 2008 Bedford, MA N2439Z Incident substantial The student pilot's inadequate compensation for winds during landing.
Nov 14, 2008 Osh Kosh, NE N35667 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while taxing in strong winds.
Nov 11, 2008 Groton, CT N91HF Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Nov 10, 2008 Gulf Shores, AL N172PA Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare during landing.
Nov 09, 2008 Manville, NJ N6180R Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a nose-wheel-first landing.
Nov 08, 2008 Girdwood, AK N9099H Incident substantial The pilot's decision to attempt to take off on a snow-covered runway. Contributing to the accident was the snow-covered runway.
Nov 05, 2008 Hutchinson, MN N5556R Incident substantial The bird that the airplane struck while on final approach.
Nov 01, 2008 Asheville, NC N2055R Incident substantial The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Oct 27, 2008 Ingleside, TX N1714F Incident substantial
The pilot's decision to land in crosswind conditions, leading to his inability to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident were the …

The pilot's decision to land in crosswind conditions, leading to his inability to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident were the crosswinds.

Oct 26, 2008 Carroll, IA N333AE Incident substantial The improper preflight planning/decision made by the pilot in attempting a taxi in high wind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the winds.
Oct 25, 2008 Monticello, IN N54971 Incident substantial
The pilot stalled the airplane during a go-around. Contributing to the accident included the pilot's improper in-flight decision, the tailwind landin…

The pilot stalled the airplane during a go-around. Contributing to the accident included the pilot's improper in-flight decision, the tailwind landing, and the pilot's failure to put the carburetor Heat to "OFF" during the go-around.

Oct 15, 2008 Van Wert, OH N20745 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while taxiing on the wet grass.
Oct 13, 2008 Delphi, IN N63366 Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain separation from a hangar building while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the hangar building.
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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