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
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.

Oct 27, 1999 ENGLEWOOD, CO N7906X Incident substantial
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing roll. Factors were the gusty crosswind and the runway l…

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing roll. Factors were the gusty crosswind and the runway light.

Oct 27, 1999 WAUKON, IA N52569 Incident substantial
the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the aborted landing. Factors relating to the accident included the crosswinds…

the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the aborted landing. Factors relating to the accident included the crosswinds, the fence, and the trees.

Oct 25, 1999 CRANDON, WI N4776E Incident substantial the deer that ran out onto the runway and collided with the airplane. A factor associated with the accident was the night lighting conditions.
Oct 23, 1999 WENATCHEE, WA N54844 Incident minor The failure of the pilots in both aircraft to maintain an adequate visual lookout. Haze was a factor.
Oct 21, 1999 DEER VALLEY, AZ N738FY Incident substantial
Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight verification of the fuel quantity, and, once he became aware of the critical fuel state, his d…

Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight verification of the fuel quantity, and, once he became aware of the critical fuel state, his decision to over-fly two alternate airports in order to continue to his destination.

Oct 15, 1999 CAMBRIDGE, MN N4621L Incident substantial the fractured main landing gear due to the improper maintenance by an unknown person(s) and the inadequate annual inspection by an unqualified person.
Oct 09, 1999 N. EAST CARRY, ME N35669 Incident substantial The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff under gusty wind and rough water conditions.
Oct 08, 1999 TORRANCE, CA N123FR Incident substantial The pilot's excessive airspeed on final approach and his misjudged flare, which resulted in a uncontrolled porpoise and hard landing.
Oct 07, 1999 BETHEL, AK N4762D Incident substantial The failure of the driver of the forklift to maintain an adequate visual outlook.
Sep 27, 1999 LONGVIEW, TX N5374J Incident substantial The pilot's improper touchdown technique, which resulted in the airplane porpoising.
Sep 27, 1999 DES MOINES, IA N738FA Incident substantial the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decisions which led to fuel exhaustion. A factor relating to this accident was the telephone pole.
Sep 26, 1999 VACAVILLE, CA N738ZQ Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing gusty crosswind condition and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control.
Sep 25, 1999 PANGUITCH, UT N9103B Incident destroyed
Inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot in command. Factors were high velocity gusty winds, high-density altitude, and unsuitable …

Inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot in command. Factors were high velocity gusty winds, high-density altitude, and unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.

Sep 24, 1999 ORLANDO, FL N9536B Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was down and locked following loss of electrical power for undetermined reasons, resulting in subs…

the pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was down and locked following loss of electrical power for undetermined reasons, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane when the right main landing gear collapsed upon landing.

Sep 21, 1999 FRIENDLY, MD N63325 Incident substantial The pilot's misjudgment of speed during the landing approach. The inoperative airspeed indicator was a contributing factor.
Sep 19, 1999 MOONTOWN, AL N734TC Incident substantial
The pilot's decision to land on a runway with a quartering tailwind, his failure to obtain the proper touchdown point on the runway, and his delay in …

The pilot's decision to land on a runway with a quartering tailwind, his failure to obtain the proper touchdown point on the runway, and his delay in aborting the takeoff phase of a touch and go landing, resulting in the aircraft overrunning the runway, colliding with a ditch, and nosing over.

Sep 19, 1999 DELTA, CO N4262L Incident substantial
A forced landing due to fuel exhaustion. Factors were inadequate preflight planing, inadequate in-flight planing and rough uneven, unsuitable terrain…

A forced landing due to fuel exhaustion. Factors were inadequate preflight planing, inadequate in-flight planing and rough uneven, unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.

Sep 17, 1999 MERCED, CA N2339E Incident substantial
The pilot's premature retraction of the flaps during an attempted go-around with insufficient airspeed, which led to an inadvertent stall/mush conditi…

The pilot's premature retraction of the flaps during an attempted go-around with insufficient airspeed, which led to an inadvertent stall/mush condition.

Sep 17, 1999 MOUNTAIN HOME, AR N84697 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to obtain runway alignment. Factors were the dark night conditions, an embankment, and the pilot's lack of total experience flying…

The pilot's failure to obtain runway alignment. Factors were the dark night conditions, an embankment, and the pilot's lack of total experience flying at night.

Sep 12, 1999 FORT SMITH, AR N9724B Incident substantial The failure of the electric pump motor/hydraulic power pack resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear upon landing.
Sep 12, 1999 SAN JOSE, CA N534CA Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout during taxi. Sun glare was a factor in the accident.
Sep 11, 1999 TAHOLA, WA N8995V Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate directional control and his failure to maintain clearance from trees along the side of the landing area. Factors include a land…

The pilot's inadequate directional control and his failure to maintain clearance from trees along the side of the landing area. Factors include a landing area surrounded by tall trees.

Sep 09, 1999 PICKRELL, NE N84385 Incident substantial the loose oil dipstick guide tube resulting in loss of oil and the engine failure. The night condition was a contributing factor.
Sep 06, 1999 HOUSTON, MS N9785T Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to switch the magneto switch to the both position before attempting a takeoff that resulted in the loss of engine power and result…

The pilot's failure to switch the magneto switch to the both position before attempting a takeoff that resulted in the loss of engine power and resulted in the subsequent collision with trees.

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.
← Cessna 172 For Sale All Cessna Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data
View 429 Cessna 172 for sale ↓