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
Jan 11, 2003	Mt. Pleasant, SC	N5199H	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.
Jan 08, 2003	Springdale, AR	N142ME	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. A contributing factor was the prevailing crosswind.
Dec 31, 2002	Stuart, FL	N5338R	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inflight encounter with wind shear on final approach, which resulted in an inflight loss of control and subequent uncontrolled descent int… The pilot's inflight encounter with wind shear on final approach, which resulted in an inflight loss of control and subequent uncontrolled descent into trees.
Dec 26, 2002	Akron, OH	N782SP	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing.
Dec 24, 2002	Tea, SD	N692SP	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's improper flare. The pilot's lack of experience and diverted attention were factors.
Dec 21, 2002	Pacoima, CA	N733AM	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's excessive use of the elevator control that resulted in an inadvertent lift-off and his failure to maintain/attain adequate airspee… the student pilot's excessive use of the elevator control that resulted in an inadvertent lift-off and his failure to maintain/attain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and hard landing.
Dec 06, 2002	Moline, IL	N80213	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance during a base to final turn on approach. Contributing factors to the accident were the night condi… The pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance during a base to final turn on approach. Contributing factors to the accident were the night conditions and the trees.
Dec 06, 2002	Cartersville, GA	N5891E	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control, during the landing roll resulted in the on ground collision with a ravine.
Dec 04, 2002	Holland, MI	N5321D	Incident	substantial	The student pilot failed to maintain directional control during landing roll. Additional factors include the student pilot's lack of total flight exp… The student pilot failed to maintain directional control during landing roll. Additional factors include the student pilot's lack of total flight experience, the CFI's inadequate supervision, and the ice and snow on the runway.
Dec 03, 2002	Vici, OK	N4470R	Incident	substantial	The pilot's departure and continued flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the icing conditions, and the lack of suitable … The pilot's departure and continued flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the icing conditions, and the lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary landing.
Nov 28, 2002	Hollister, CA	N2423E	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane.
Nov 23, 2002	Stow, MA	N1152F	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance. A factor in this accident was gusty wind conditions.
Nov 23, 2002	Prestonsburg, KY	N7192G	Incident	substantial	The loss of oil pressure for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a failure of connecting rod end bolts, due to an over temperature condition.
Nov 16, 2002	Rosamond, CA	N548RM	Incident	substantial	The fatigue failure of left main landing gear strut at the upper fuselage aft attachment hole, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing… The fatigue failure of left main landing gear strut at the upper fuselage aft attachment hole, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing roll.
Nov 05, 2002	Mesquite, NV	N13265	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. A contributing factor was the ditch.
Oct 29, 2002	St. Paul, MN	N848SP	Incident	substantial	The student pilot failed to maintain directional control. A factor was the runway sign.
Oct 24, 2002	Morristown, NJ	N4599D	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Oct 17, 2002	Neenah, WI	N46459	Incident	substantial	The pilot failed to maintain clearance from the post. Factors included the post and the sun glare.
Oct 17, 2002	Opa Locka, FL	N903WA	Incident	substantial	The pilot' inadequate evaluation of weather information, and the selection of the wrong runway that resulted in an attempted takeoff with a tailwind a… The pilot' inadequate evaluation of weather information, and the selection of the wrong runway that resulted in an attempted takeoff with a tailwind and the subsequent loss of control during takeoff.
Oct 13, 2002	Pompano Beach, FL	N6542J	Incident	substantial	The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Oct 11, 2002	San Antonio, TX	N7616G	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind resulting in a loss of directional control. A contributing factor was the prevailing crosswind.
Oct 06, 2002	Broomfield, CO	N65312	Incident	substantial	the pilot misjudging the clearance between the airplane and a fixed object during taxi. Contributing factors were the pilot's attention being diverted… the pilot misjudging the clearance between the airplane and a fixed object during taxi. Contributing factors were the pilot's attention being diverted and sunglare.
Oct 05, 2002	Fish Lake, MN	N713SX	Incident	substantial	The altitude/clearance not maintained while maneuvering on short final for landing on the lake. The glassy water was a contributing factor.
Sep 26, 2002	Greenwood, IL	N3510A	Incident	substantial	The CFI's poor inflight planning/decision to allow the airplane to get to too low of an altitude to assure a safe recovery from the simulated forced l… The CFI's poor inflight planning/decision to allow the airplane to get to too low of an altitude to assure a safe recovery from the simulated forced landing. Factors associated with the accident were the student pilot's delay initiating the go around and the corn crop which the airplane contacted.
Sep 26, 2002	Billings, MT	N6525R	Incident	substantial	The failure of the landing gear actuator during landing as a result of fatigue.

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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