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
Nov 24, 2010 Velma, OK N4428Q Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with terrain. …

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's relative inexperience in pipeline patrols.

Nov 21, 2010 Winter Haven, FL N3700L Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate preflight/inflight fuel planning resulting in fuel exhaustion and total loss of engine power.
Nov 21, 2010 Bluffton, SC N882AV Minor substantial An in-flight upset of undetermined origin resulting in a forced landing.
Nov 16, 2010 Hobe Sound, FL N8306B Incident substantial A partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination in the carburetor.
Nov 15, 2010 San Antonio, TX N7183G Serious (3) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to lan…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to land with a tailwind.

Nov 14, 2010 Gaithersburg, MD N249ER Incident substantial The student pilot's inadequate use of the rudder, and subsequent loss of directional control.
Nov 12, 2010 Farmersburg, IN N531HF Incident substantial A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Nov 09, 2010 Pineville, LA N9747L Incident substantial The pilot/mechanic’s improper inspection of the airplane following the engine installation.
Nov 04, 2010 Port Townsend, WA N14511 Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare/touchdown while landing, resulting in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion.
Nov 01, 2010 Branscomb, CA N3542V Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing roll on an unimproved airstrip.
Oct 28, 2010 Tampa, FL N612CB Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a short-field takeoff.
Oct 18, 2010 Durham Downs, Australia, AS VH-VSK Fatal (2) substantial Investigation pending
Oct 15, 2010 Malaga, CO HK4631 Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Oct 11, 2010 Portland, OR N738GN Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and failure to ensure adequate fuel was onboard for the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine p…

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and failure to ensure adequate fuel was onboard for the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Oct 10, 2010 Boynton Beach, FL N423FT Incident substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Oct 08, 2010 Panguitch, UT N8437A Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's decision to conduct a low-level flight into a canyon in windy conditions at a high density altitude, which resulted in a collision with tr…

The pilot's decision to conduct a low-level flight into a canyon in windy conditions at a high density altitude, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.

Oct 03, 2010 Durango, CO N2593 Minor substantial
A total loss of engine power due to the pilot inadvertently moving the fuel selector to the OFF position. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…

A total loss of engine power due to the pilot inadvertently moving the fuel selector to the OFF position. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's unfamiliarity with this model accident airplane.

Oct 02, 2010 Salem, OR N545DS Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Oct 01, 2010 Wabash, IN N2140E Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the landing and certificated flight instructor's failure to execute a go-around.
Sep 29, 2010 Oconomowoc, WI N7560X Incident substantial The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing the float-equipped airplane on a turf runway.
Sep 28, 2010 Tulsa, OK N5145U Serious (1) destroyed
A shorted terminal lug on the landing gear hydraulic pump which resulted in a cabin fire. Contributing to the accident was the lack of clear installat…

A shorted terminal lug on the landing gear hydraulic pump which resulted in a cabin fire. Contributing to the accident was the lack of clear installation procedures for the hydraulic pump.

Sep 28, 2010 Belle Plaine, MN N9659Q Incident substantial The pilot's loss of directional control due to an encounter with soft terrain while landing.
Sep 25, 2010 Point Lookout, MO N1131U Minor substantial
The pilot receiving instruction's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and execute a go-around and the CFI’s delayed remedial action, which re…

The pilot receiving instruction's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and execute a go-around and the CFI’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a runway overrun.

Sep 25, 2010 Franconia, NH N5295Y Incident substantial The pilot’s delay in initiating a go-around, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a fence.
Sep 25, 2010 Chatsworth, GA N84249 Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's inadequate flight planning and in-flight fuel management resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to…

The pilot's inadequate flight planning and in-flight fuel management resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the operator's failure to ensure aircraft records pertaining to engine modifications and fuel burn rates were available to flight crewmembers.

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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