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
Feb 03, 2005 Desert Center, CA N472RA Incident substantial
The instructor's improper decision to land on the dry lakebed without knowing the condition of the landing surface. A factor in the accident was the …

The instructor's improper decision to land on the dry lakebed without knowing the condition of the landing surface. A factor in the accident was the soft sand surface of the lake bed.

Feb 02, 2005 Coalinga, CA N521JD Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to abort the landing.
Feb 02, 2005 Loveland, CO N618MN Incident substantial
The dual student's improper flare and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.. A contributing factor was the inadequate communication between…

The dual student's improper flare and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.. A contributing factor was the inadequate communication between the flight instructor and the dual student,

Feb 01, 2005 Berrien Springs, MI N9515B Incident substantial
The pilot not maintaining airspeed leading to an excessive sink rate during a simulated emergency landing after takeoff. An additional cause was the …

The pilot not maintaining airspeed leading to an excessive sink rate during a simulated emergency landing after takeoff. An additional cause was the certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision.

Jan 26, 2005 Willmar, MN N8205U Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to properly compensate for the crosswind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing rol…

The student pilot's failure to properly compensate for the crosswind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout. Contributing factors were the crosswind and the snow bank.

Jan 24, 2005 Marshall, TX N8134B Incident substantial The pilot's improper engine starting procedure resulting in a loss of control.
Jan 20, 2005 Sallisaw, OK N8203U Incident substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Jan 04, 2005 Clewiston, FL N365SP Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and colliding into an…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and colliding into an airport sign.

Jan 01, 2005 Poughkeepsie, NY N7180Q Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate preflight, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
Dec 29, 2004 Houston, TX N118FR Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. A contributing factor was the muddy condition of the terrain.
Dec 17, 2004 Lakeland, FL N375LP Incident substantial
The faulure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll resulting in the on-ground collision with a taxiway s…

The faulure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll resulting in the on-ground collision with a taxiway sign and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear.

Dec 04, 2004 Englewood, CO N55250 Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Nov 29, 2004 Smyrna, TN N78402 Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning of fuel required for the flight, and his inadequate in-flight planning/decision which resulted in fuel exhau…

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning of fuel required for the flight, and his inadequate in-flight planning/decision which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power.

Nov 28, 2004 Belle Plaine, MN N2663L Incident substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during descent, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.
Nov 21, 2004 Rupert, WV N3750S Incident substantial
The pilot’s delayed application of carburetor heat, which resulted in a rough running engine. A factor was the bulldozer on the logging road where th…

The pilot’s delayed application of carburetor heat, which resulted in a rough running engine. A factor was the bulldozer on the logging road where the pilot performed a precautionary landing.

Nov 21, 2004 Martinsburg, WV N5294W Incident substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Nov 21, 2004 Anderson, IN N967SA Incident substantial The student pilot's improper flare and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Nov 20, 2004 Lakeville, MN N737CR Incident substantial The pilot misjudged his distance and speed which resulted in an overrun.. Factors were the wet runway, the grass and the berm.
Nov 19, 2004 Mansfield, MA N2120M Incident substantial The pilot's improper decision to taxi on a closed taxiway, and his misjudgment of obstacle clearance.
Nov 16, 2004 Loveland, CO N54165 Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and the student pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and decision making. …

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and the student pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and decision making. Contributing factors include the quartering tail wind, the high airspeed, and the airport sign.

Nov 14, 2004 Wilmington, NC N75776 Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to recognize the proper emergency procedure, which resulted in a precautionary landing in a field and subsequent collision…

The student pilot's failure to recognize the proper emergency procedure, which resulted in a precautionary landing in a field and subsequent collision with a ditch. Factors were the undetermined electrical malfunction, smoke in the cockpit, and the student pilot's lack of experience.

Nov 09, 2004 Sanford, FL N8077E Incident substantial The improper flare by the pilot in command resulting in a hard landing, Restricted movement of the throttle was a contributing factor.
Nov 05, 2004 Chandler, AZ N20519 Incident substantial
the pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing factors were his improper recovery from the subsequent bounced landing and…

the pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing factors were his improper recovery from the subsequent bounced landing and pilot-induced oscillations.

Nov 04, 2004 Wolfeboro, NH N8803B Incident substantial
A jammed control wheel during landing. A contributing factor to the accident was the inadequate maintenance inspection of the airplane's flight contr…

A jammed control wheel during landing. A contributing factor to the accident was the inadequate maintenance inspection of the airplane's flight control system.

Nov 01, 2004 Kingman, AZ N6140R Incident substantial Landing gear extension system component failure resulting in a gear up landing.
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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