How many accidents has the Cessna 172 had?

The NTSB has recorded 6810 events involving the Cessna 172: 960 fatal, 542 serious, 1048 minor injuries, and 4223 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 172 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 172 has 6810 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

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 16, 2005	Collegeville, PA	N7653X	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadvertent encounter with a downdraft, which resulted in a collision with trees. A factor related to the accident was the downdraft wind… The pilot's inadvertent encounter with a downdraft, which resulted in a collision with trees. A factor related to the accident was the downdraft wind conditions.
Apr 13, 2005	Kissimmee, FL	N716SD	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing resulting in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.
Apr 12, 2005	Gallup, NM	N520ER	Incident	substantial	the pilot's premature liftoff and inadequate remedial action, which resulted in the airplane inadvertently recontacting the runway.
Apr 10, 2005	Pikeville, KY	N8897V	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Apr 09, 2005	Yamhill, OR	N8400L	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while on final approach for landing. A crosswind, a fence post and the pilot's inadequate compensati… The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while on final approach for landing. A crosswind, a fence post and the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition were contributing factors.
Apr 08, 2005	Ann Arbor, MI	N777UM	Incident	substantial	The failure of the carburetor nozzle resulting in loss of engine power and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. A factor wa… The failure of the carburetor nozzle resulting in loss of engine power and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. A factor was the low altitude.
Apr 07, 2005	Kalamazoo, MI	N985BT	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the excessive taxispeed.
Apr 03, 2005	Stephenville, TX	N3889Q	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing. A contributing factor was the prevailing crosswind.
Apr 01, 2005	San Jose, CA	N4789G	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's misjudged landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Mar 30, 2005	Chino, CA	N7832G	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadequate compensation for a gusting crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control.
Mar 28, 2005	Palm Beach, FL	N53589	Incident	substantial	The flight crews inadvertent encounter with turbulence in clouds while being vectored by ATC while operating in instrument meteorological conditions. … The flight crews inadvertent encounter with turbulence in clouds while being vectored by ATC while operating in instrument meteorological conditions. A factor in the accident was the ATC personnel's (ARTCC) inadequate weather avoidance assistance.
Mar 26, 2005	Baudette, MN	N8954B	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind which resulted in the failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors associat… The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind which resulted in the failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind, the snow covered surface on which the landing was being made, and the deeper snow which the airplane contacted.
Mar 26, 2005	Chino, CA	N7425G	Incident	minor	the pilot of the other airplane's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from obstacles while taxiing.
Mar 22, 2005	Thermal, CA	N562AB	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions and failure to maintain directional control.
Mar 18, 2005	Rio Grande City, TX	N6372D	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from objects, and his improper compensation for wind conditions while landing. A contributing factor was th… The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from objects, and his improper compensation for wind conditions while landing. A contributing factor was the gusty wind condition.
Mar 12, 2005	Gooding, ID	N5953A	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of control during taxi. A contributing factor was the wind gusts… The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of control during taxi. A contributing factor was the wind gusts.
Mar 11, 2005	Emigrant Gap, CA	N4682G	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his selection of an unsuitable landing area, resulting in an encounter with a snow-covered runway.
Mar 10, 2005	Frederick, MD	N3513F	Incident	substantial	The inadequate visual lookout of the pilots in each airplane, which resulted in a ground collision.
Mar 07, 2005	South Naknek, AK	N7871X	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during taxi after landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over. A factor associated wi… The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during taxi after landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty wind condition.
Mar 03, 2005	Jacksonville, FL	N4980R	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing.
Mar 02, 2005	Madison, MS	N212CF	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in substantial damage during the subsequent hard landing.
Feb 21, 2005	Brooksville, FL	N98636	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in substantial damage during the subsequent hard landing.
Feb 10, 2005	Grafton, ND	N2291E	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing. Factors associated wi… The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind condition and the snow bank.
Feb 07, 2005	Cross Keys, NJ	N54812	Incident	substantial	The pilots failure to maintain directional control. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilots lack of experience, and the snow bank.
Feb 03, 2005	Idaho Falls, ID	N5204K	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. A contributing factor was the … The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. A contributing factor was the deep snow beside the runway.

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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Cessna 172 Safety Record

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