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
May 24, 2004 Decatur, TX N5302E Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to follow the flight instructor's instructions and relinquish the controls, and the flight instructor's delay in initiatin…

The student pilot's failure to follow the flight instructor's instructions and relinquish the controls, and the flight instructor's delay in initiating a go-around.

May 17, 2004 Pembroke Pines, FL N737FE Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to establish a climb and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted landing leading to the airp…

The pilot's failure to establish a climb and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted landing leading to the airplane departing the runway and incurring substantial damage.

May 15, 2004 Fort Leavenwort, KS N1806Y Incident substantial The inadequate flare by the pilot.
May 11, 2004 Chamblee, GA N6562V Incident
The fatigue fracture of the nosewheel bungee assembly, which restricted the movement of the elevator control. A factor was the inadequate equipment fr…

The fatigue fracture of the nosewheel bungee assembly, which restricted the movement of the elevator control. A factor was the inadequate equipment from an unknown source/manufacturer.

May 10, 2004 Battle Ground, WA N54477 Incident substantial
The student pilot's misjudgment of distance and his failure to do a go-around. Also causal was the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.…

The student pilot's misjudgment of distance and his failure to do a go-around. Also causal was the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Factors include gusty crosswinds, the dual student's failure to adequately compensate for those winds, a wet runway surface, and a ditch off the departure end of the runway.

May 05, 2004 Schaumburg, IL N65752 Incident substantial The student pilot not maintaining directional control during the takeoff roll and his inadequate remedial action.
May 04, 2004 Odessa, FL N737HW Incident substantial The pilot's improper landing flare that resulted in a hard landing.
Apr 25, 2004 Lincoln, CA N734RE Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance.
Apr 24, 2004 Lyons, CO N5048E Incident substantial
a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing factors were weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing and unsuitable terrain avai…

a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing factors were weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing and unsuitable terrain available on which to make a forced landing and the road sign.

Apr 17, 2004 Key West, FL N5280D Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty wind conditions which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and imp…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty wind conditions which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and impacting a sign, incurring damage.

Apr 13, 2004 Long Beach, CA N669SP Incident substantial the student pilot's inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing and porpoise.
Apr 10, 2004 Bridgeport, CT N6583D Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was t…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was the gusty winds.

Apr 10, 2004 Bogalusa, LA N84623 Incident substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Apr 09, 2004 Westfield, MA N5425K Incident substantial The student pilot's improper flare and his failure to maintain aircraft control while landing.
Apr 03, 2004 Statesboro, GA N4874G Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to establish a positive climb and his failure to maintain clearance during a go-around, which resulted in an in-flight collision w…

The pilot's failure to establish a positive climb and his failure to maintain clearance during a go-around, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. A factor was the gusting winds.

Apr 02, 2004 Kalamazoo, MI N986AV Incident substantial
The air traffic control procedures/directives not followed by tower air traffic controller, the inadequate compensation for wind conditions by the stu…

The air traffic control procedures/directives not followed by tower air traffic controller, the inadequate compensation for wind conditions by the student pilot during landing, the lack of total experience by the student pilot, and the recommended crosswind flap setting not followed by the student pilot. The crosswind conditions were a contributing factor.

Apr 02, 2004 Columbia, SC N271EP Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. The pilot's preflight planning and uneven terrain were contrib…

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. The pilot's preflight planning and uneven terrain were contributing factors.

Mar 21, 2004 Raymond, WA N3950S Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll resulting in the aircraft nosing over. Incorrect remedial action and soft…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll resulting in the aircraft nosing over. Incorrect remedial action and soft terrain were factors.

Mar 21, 2004 Creswell, OR N739HQ Incident substantial
The pilot's attempting takeoff with the fuel selector in the OFF position resulting in fuel starvation. Contributing factors were the change in habit…

The pilot's attempting takeoff with the fuel selector in the OFF position resulting in fuel starvation. Contributing factors were the change in habit pattern and expectancy of the fuel selector position as well as the fence and tree.

Mar 20, 2004 Zelienople, PA N62058 Incident substantial The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Mar 14, 2004 Eltopia, WA N1883V Incident substantial Remedial action delayed during the takeoff roll. Factors include rough/uneven terrain.
Mar 07, 2004 Stevensville, MD N317ME Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing. A factor was the student pilot's lack of experience.
Mar 03, 2004 Gig Harbor, WA N75844 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to follow the published IFR procedure resulting in failure to maintain clearance from objects during an instrument approach. Tree…

The pilot's failure to follow the published IFR procedure resulting in failure to maintain clearance from objects during an instrument approach. Trees and an inoperative glide slope receiver were factors.

Feb 29, 2004 Angleton, TX N79502 Incident destroyed The unqualified person's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines. A contributing factor was the night light conditions.
Feb 23, 2004 Youngstown, OH N738EK Incident substantial An inadvertent collision with a deer while 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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