Cessna 172 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 6810 events recorded from 1974 to 2026.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01, 2009 | Lancaster, NY | N2228L | Incident | substantial |
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of solo flight e…The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of solo flight experience and the snow bank located off the left side of the runway. |
| Dec 28, 2008 | Girdwood, AK | N453SP | Incident | substantial |
The flight instructor's lack of action to correct a high and fast landing approach which resulted in a long landing, and subsequent collision with a s…The flight instructor's lack of action to correct a high and fast landing approach which resulted in a long landing, and subsequent collision with a snow berm at the end of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's improper approach. |
| Dec 27, 2008 | Morristown, NJ | N178AF | Incident | substantial |
The flight instructor's failure to execute a missed approach when insufficient runway remained for landing. Contributing to the accident were the low …The flight instructor's failure to execute a missed approach when insufficient runway remained for landing. Contributing to the accident were the low ceiling and visibility conditions. |
| Dec 21, 2008 | Corning, NY | N6621D | Incident | substantial |
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident were the gusty wind conditions and the flight…The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident were the gusty wind conditions and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action. |
| Dec 18, 2008 | Goodland, FL | N967SP | Fatal (1) | destroyed | The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the night light conditions. |
| Dec 10, 2008 | Lompoc, CA | N6461E | Fatal (1) | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience. |
| Dec 06, 2008 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | N369ES | Fatal (4) | substantial | The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other aircraft. |
| Dec 02, 2008 | Truckee, CA | N172MN | Incident | substantial | The pilot misjudged the landing flare resulting in a hard landing. |
| Nov 29, 2008 | Sedona, AZ | N98774 | Incident | substantial | The pilot's improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing. |
| Nov 27, 2008 | Frederick, MD | N35540 | Incident | substantial | The student pilot's delayed decision to abort the landing. |
| Nov 26, 2008 | Waukesha, WI | N833SP | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff and his failure to ensure that the elevator trim was properly set before takeoff. Con…The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff and his failure to ensure that the elevator trim was properly set before takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of autopilot system knowledge. |
| Nov 19, 2008 | Groton, CT | N2337F | Minor | substantial |
The student pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent profile to avoid trees during the night visual approach and the flight instructor’s inadequat…The student pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent profile to avoid trees during the night visual approach and the flight instructor’s inadequate oversight. |
| Nov 19, 2008 | Cleveland, MS | N941SM | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear prior to touchdown. |
| Nov 17, 2008 | Bedford, MA | N2439Z | Incident | substantial | The student pilot's inadequate compensation for winds during landing. |
| Nov 17, 2008 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | N12236 | Incident | substantial | The student pilot's improper flare during landing. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of experience. |
| Nov 14, 2008 | Osh Kosh, NE | N35667 | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while taxing in strong winds. |
| Nov 11, 2008 | Groton, CT | N91HF | Incident | substantial | The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. |
| Nov 10, 2008 | Gulf Shores, AL | N172PA | Incident | substantial | The pilot's improper flare during landing. |
| Nov 09, 2008 | Manville, NJ | N6180R | Incident | substantial | The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a nose-wheel-first landing. |
| Nov 08, 2008 | Girdwood, AK | N9099H | Incident | substantial | The pilot's decision to attempt to take off on a snow-covered runway. Contributing to the accident was the snow-covered runway. |
| Nov 07, 2008 | Frederick, MD | N1242C | Serious (1) | — |
The passenger’s failure to avoid the rotating propeller after exiting the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to include d…The passenger’s failure to avoid the rotating propeller after exiting the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to include deplaning procedures as part of the passenger safety briefing. |
| Nov 05, 2008 | Hutchinson, MN | N5556R | Incident | substantial | The bird that the airplane struck while on final approach. |
| Nov 01, 2008 | Asheville, NC | N2055R | Incident | substantial | The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing. |
| Oct 27, 2008 | Ingleside, TX | N1714F | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's decision to land in crosswind conditions, leading to his inability to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident were the …The pilot's decision to land in crosswind conditions, leading to his inability to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident were the crosswinds. |
| Oct 26, 2008 | Carroll, IA | N333AE | Incident | substantial | The improper preflight planning/decision made by the pilot in attempting a taxi in high wind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the winds. |