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
Feb 09, 2000	LYNDONVILLE, VT	N8328B	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A factor in the accident was the ditch that ran parallel to the runway.
Feb 07, 2000	BERMUDA DUNES, CA	N739GQ	Incident	substantial	Failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.
Feb 07, 2000	OLIVE BRANCH, MS	N2630B	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and the subsequent collision with a taxiway sign and collapsed right main l… The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and the subsequent collision with a taxiway sign and collapsed right main landing gear.
Feb 05, 2000	CHESTERFIELD, MO	N738EJ	Incident	substantial	The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the takeoff portion of a touch and go landing.
Jan 25, 2000	LINCOLNTON, GA	N2469E	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to remove ice from the wings prior to takeoff resulting in the aircraft not climbing after takeoff and colliding with a tree.
Jan 23, 2000	SQUAMISH, CA	N1673V	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jan 10, 2000	ANGLETON, TX	N8292	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing. A factor was the gust of wind.
Jan 08, 2000	HUNTSVILLE, UT	N65710	Incident	substantial	The snow shower, and the lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary landing.
Jan 03, 2000	VICTORVILLE, CA	N3690L	Incident	substantial	The failure of the pilot to maintain positional awareness, which resulted in his becoming lost and disoriented. Contributing factors were the pilot's … The failure of the pilot to maintain positional awareness, which resulted in his becoming lost and disoriented. Contributing factors were the pilot's delay requesting assistance from air traffic control and the failure of the airplane's electrical generator.
Dec 28, 1999	NEW ORLEANS, LA	N172GT	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadvertent starting of the engine. Factors were the pilot's failure to set the mixture control to the off position, and the intermittent… The pilot's inadvertent starting of the engine. Factors were the pilot's failure to set the mixture control to the off position, and the intermittent short in the starter switch.
Dec 21, 1999	MELBOURNE, FL	N8182E	Incident	substantial	The certified flight instructor's improper touchdown flare that resulted in a hard landing.
Dec 18, 1999	SHOSHONE, CA	N34261	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing strong and gusting wind conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control.
Dec 18, 1999	FORT WORTH, TX	N8250U	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a porpoise.
Dec 17, 1999	SUGAR LAND, TX	N912JR	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll.
Dec 09, 1999	AVA, MO	N69LM	Incident	substantial	the improper in-flight decision made by the pilot. Factors to the accident were the charts/other manuals depicting the incorrect frequency, the dirt … the improper in-flight decision made by the pilot. Factors to the accident were the charts/other manuals depicting the incorrect frequency, the dirt bank, and the rocks.
Dec 08, 1999	WOOSTER, OH	N7565G	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadvertent taxi onto unsuitable terrain. A factor was the burnt out landing/taxi light.
Nov 22, 1999	DEFUNIAK SPGS, FL	N733AH	Incident	substantial	Was the pilot's failure to obtain a proper weather briefing resulting in his encounter with fog, his having to make a precautionary landing in a field… Was the pilot's failure to obtain a proper weather briefing resulting in his encounter with fog, his having to make a precautionary landing in a field when the aircraft became low on fuel, and the on ground collision with trees during landing roll.
Nov 21, 1999	PHILLIPI, WV	N758LR	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper flare that resulted in a hard landing.
Nov 20, 1999	DAYTONA BEACH, FL	N475ER	Incident	substantial	Was the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing resulting in a hard landing and damage to the aircraft.
Nov 15, 1999	HOPEDALE, MA	N738NL	Incident	substantial	was the student pilot's improper flare that resulted in a bounced landing and the flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action.
Nov 12, 1999	LOGAN, UT	N427ES	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Nov 12, 1999	RAWLINS, WY	N5225D	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate preflight planning preparation which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Factors in the accident were the unsuitable terrain on which… The pilot's inadequate preflight planning preparation which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Factors in the accident were the unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing and the pilot's lack of experience in aircraft type.
Nov 02, 1999	CHANDLER, AZ	N98909	Incident	substantial	The pilot's misjudged landing flare and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed margin, which resulted in a stall/mush and hard landing.
Nov 01, 1999	BEAUMONT, TX	N7833X	Incident	substantial	Fuel exhaustion as a result of the flight instructor's failure to refuel the airplane. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landi… Fuel exhaustion as a result of the flight instructor's failure to refuel the airplane. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Oct 28, 1999	MACKAY, ID	N12376	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to land at the proper touchdown point. Factors include a wind gust, a grass runway, and a drop-off into rough terrain at the end o… The pilot's failure to land at the proper touchdown point. Factors include a wind gust, a grass runway, and a drop-off into rough terrain at the end of the runway.

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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