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
Aug 07, 1998 BROOMFIELD, CO N118FP Incident substantial The pilot's improper remedial action after making a hard landing and porpoising. A factor was his lack of total experience.
Aug 01, 1998 LINCOLN, CA N4451R Incident substantial The pilot of the other aircraft's inadequate visual lookout
Aug 01, 1998 LEBANON, OH N733LK Incident substantial
The pilot's delay in aborting the landing, which resulted in inadequate obstacle (car) clearance during initial takeoff climb. A contributing factor …

The pilot's delay in aborting the landing, which resulted in inadequate obstacle (car) clearance during initial takeoff climb. A contributing factor is the pilot's decision to perform a tailwind landing.

Jul 27, 1998 FRANKTOWN, CO N5147N Incident substantial
Flight at an altitude insufficient to clear terrain. Factors were the pilot's failure to reset or correct a precessing directional gyro, his becoming…

Flight at an altitude insufficient to clear terrain. Factors were the pilot's failure to reset or correct a precessing directional gyro, his becoming lost/disoriented, and dark night light conditions.

Jul 24, 1998 COMMERCE, TX N3743R Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind resulting in a loss of control. A factor was the crosswind.
Jul 19, 1998 SEATTLE, WA N53630 Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. Related factors were the student pilot's lack of total experience, and a…

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. Related factors were the student pilot's lack of total experience, and airport signs in the accident area.

Jul 16, 1998 BROOMFIELD, CO N172AT Incident substantial The pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing.
Jul 13, 1998 LINCOLN PARK, NJ N19667 Incident substantial
Inadequate visual lookout by the pilot, which resulted in his failure to see and avoid the fuel truck. Related factors were the truck and the pilot w…

Inadequate visual lookout by the pilot, which resulted in his failure to see and avoid the fuel truck. Related factors were the truck and the pilot was unfamiliar with that area.

Jul 13, 1998 LAPWAI, ID N2885Q Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning or preparation from unsuitable terrain. Factors include an embedded railroad tie in the takeoff path, and h…

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning or preparation from unsuitable terrain. Factors include an embedded railroad tie in the takeoff path, and high vegetation..

Jul 06, 1998 OLIVE BRANCH, MS N739ZA Incident substantial the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.
Jul 06, 1998 YOAKUM, TX N5103D Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind resulting in a loss of control. A factor was the crosswind.
Jul 04, 1998 CHESTERFIELD, MO N2XC Incident substantial the pilot's not obtaining and maintaining directional control. A factor was wet terrain (grass).
Jun 29, 1998 STONE LAKE, WI N6596D Incident substantial
the lack of effective braking due to hydroplaning. Contributing factors to the accident were the trees off the end of the runway that made a go-aroun…

the lack of effective braking due to hydroplaning. Contributing factors to the accident were the trees off the end of the runway that made a go-around not possible and the ditch off the end of the runway.

Jun 27, 1998 FLAGSTAFF, AZ N7188A Incident substantial
Oil system contamination with an unidentified metal substance that traveled through the oil system and blocked the number 4 main bearing and number 6 …

Oil system contamination with an unidentified metal substance that traveled through the oil system and blocked the number 4 main bearing and number 6 connecting rod bearing oil ports, resulting in oil starvation and failure of the engine. The source of the contamination is undetermined.

Jun 24, 1998 WESTMINSTER, MD N6640H Incident substantial
the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during the approach/landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. The quartering tailwind was a rela…

the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during the approach/landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. The quartering tailwind was a related factor.

Jun 20, 1998 MILFORD, NY N7437A Incident substantial
The pilot's decision to intentionally fly below wires, which resulted in the collision with trees. A factor in the accident was the soft grass airstr…

The pilot's decision to intentionally fly below wires, which resulted in the collision with trees. A factor in the accident was the soft grass airstrip.

Jun 19, 1998 ABILENE, KS N9786L Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to plan his approach so as to be able to stop the airplane on the runway, and the instructor pilot's delay in taking contr…

The student pilot's failure to plan his approach so as to be able to stop the airplane on the runway, and the instructor pilot's delay in taking control of the airplane, so as to correct the student's mistake. A factor contributing to this accident was the ditch.

Jun 16, 1998 SAN MANUEL, AZ N519PU Incident substantial The failure of the certified flight instructor to maintain directional control while landing with a sudden windshift.
Jun 14, 1998 INDEPENDENCE, OR N9514P Incident substantial A loss of power due to fatigue failure and cracking of an engine cylinder barrel.
Jun 12, 1998 ANGOON, AK N171Q Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff. A factor associated with the accident was rough and uneven terrain.
Jun 10, 1998 DEMOTTE, IN N3933S Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning that failed to ensure takeoff could be attained. Other related factors were the aborted takeoff, grass, and…

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning that failed to ensure takeoff could be attained. Other related factors were the aborted takeoff, grass, and a dirt bank.

Jun 10, 1998 OMAHA, NE N758FY Incident substantial
The aircraft modification not being in compliance with the Supplemental Type Certificate. A factor to the accident was the fracture of the landing ge…

The aircraft modification not being in compliance with the Supplemental Type Certificate. A factor to the accident was the fracture of the landing gear axle during landing.

Jun 06, 1998 NAKNEK, AK N8092B Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor associated with this accident was a crosswind.
May 30, 1998 BEVERLY, MA N2507Y Incident substantial failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during the landing and attempted go-around. A related factor was the crosswind.
May 24, 1998 TEN SLEEP, WY N9863T Incident destroyed The student pilot's failure to select a proper touchdown point. A factor was his lack of recent experience conducting solo flight operations.
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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