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 21, 2009 Yucca Valley, CA N8504B Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind gusts and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane.
Nov 08, 2009 Luray, VA N738CD Incident substantial
The pilot's premature rotation and liftoff and her subsequent failure to recognize and correct for the influence of ground effect on the airplane's ta…

The pilot's premature rotation and liftoff and her subsequent failure to recognize and correct for the influence of ground effect on the airplane's takeoff performance.

Nov 07, 2009 Summit, DE N134B Incident substantial The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Nov 05, 2009 Tallahassee, FL N5194X Fatal (2) destroyed The pilots' spatial disorientation during flight in dark conditions, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain.
Oct 26, 2009 Marysville, OH N4753D Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Oct 25, 2009 Bennington, VT N55479 Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a night approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s non-standard traffic patt…

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a night approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s non-standard traffic pattern over higher terrain.

Oct 20, 2009 Grand Forks, ND N519ND Incident substantial The student pilot's improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
Oct 17, 2009 Honolulu, HI N5329L Minor substantial The student pilot's distraction and subsequent loss of airplane control after the cabin window opened during the takeoff roll.
Oct 10, 2009 Tucson, AZ N51302 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff ground roll.
Oct 07, 2009 Renton, WA N54088 Incident substantial
The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff portion of a touch-and-go landing resulting in a collision with a …

The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff portion of a touch-and-go landing resulting in a collision with a sign.

Oct 07, 2009 San Diego, CA N2219E Incident substantial The pilot’s improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Oct 06, 2009 Easton, PA N66087 Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while on short final.
Oct 03, 2009 Payson, AZ N7810T Incident substantial The stress corrosion cracking of the nose gear landing fork, which resulted in the fork's failure during landing.
Sep 27, 2009 Factoryville, PA N5123E Minor substantial
The flight instructor's delayed decision to take control of the airplane and execute a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the lack of c…

The flight instructor's delayed decision to take control of the airplane and execute a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the lack of communication between the certificated flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction.

Sep 27, 2009 Pensacola, FL N55437 Incident substantial
The pilot's inability to maintain control during landing due to the separation of the nose landing gear upper scissor from the nose gear assembly. Con…

The pilot's inability to maintain control during landing due to the separation of the nose landing gear upper scissor from the nose gear assembly. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate visual examination performed during the annual inspection.

Sep 21, 2009 San Carlos, CA N21591 Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a fence post during taxi.
Sep 19, 2009 Lowndesville, SC N5845A Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and improper decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in spatial di…

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and improper decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation after entering instrument flight conditions.

Sep 13, 2009 Park Rapids, MN N523ND Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate during a night takeoff.
Sep 13, 2009 Hillsville, VA N734TV Minor substantial The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
Sep 08, 2009 Long Beach, CA N51594 Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a parked vehicle during taxi.
Sep 07, 2009 Duluth, MN N568ND Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing, resulting in a hard landing and a propeller strike with the ground.
Aug 25, 2009 Rockaway, NJ N6117R Minor substantial A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation for undetermined reasons.
Aug 20, 2009 Pensacola, FL N64344 Incident substantial The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aug 16, 2009 Centennial, CO N22265 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing flare in crosswind conditions.
Aug 09, 2009 Khaoyai National Park, Thailand, TH HS-BAE Incident destroyed Investigation pending
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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