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 29, 1997 HURLEY, NM N8714U Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions. Factors included the gusty crosswind conditions and inadequate supervis…

the student pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions. Factors included the gusty crosswind conditions and inadequate supervision of the student pilot's solo flight by his flight instructor.

Oct 17, 1997 PANACEA, FL N4690L Incident substantial
The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat resulting in loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and an in flight collision with trees during a f…

The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat resulting in loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and an in flight collision with trees during a forced landing.

Oct 14, 1997 PITTSFIELD, MA N62264 Incident substantial
The pilot's poor in-flight decision to continue VFR flight in IFR conditions. Factor's in this accident were the pilot's inadequate pre-flight planni…

The pilot's poor in-flight decision to continue VFR flight in IFR conditions. Factor's in this accident were the pilot's inadequate pre-flight planning, and fog.

Oct 11, 1997 OCEANA, VA N64507 Incident substantial Improper flare by the pilot, which resulted in a hard landing. A related factor was the diverted attention.
Oct 05, 1997 SANDWICH, IL N73899 Incident substantial the pilot's inability to maintain flying airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush. A factor contributing to this accident was the wind gust.
Oct 03, 1997 GRAND JUNCTION, CO N7692T Incident substantial Encounter with high gusting winds while standing with the engine running
Sep 28, 1997 KUTZTOWN, PA N5338E Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve. Factors relating to the …

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve. Factors relating to the accident were: the student's pilot's selection of the wrong runway, the resultant tailwind, and the encounter with a cornfield beside the runway.

Sep 28, 1997 YANKTON, SD N52419 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor contributing to the accident was the wind gusts.
Sep 26, 1997 FUQUAY-VARINA, NC N75522 Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged flare, improper level-off, and improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Sep 25, 1997 GREENVILLE, SC N738SZ Incident substantial
the pilot's improper use of the elevator control and delayed liftoff during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent porpoise, collision with the run…

the pilot's improper use of the elevator control and delayed liftoff during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent porpoise, collision with the runway, and collapse of the nose gear as he aborted the takeoff.

Sep 23, 1997 MONROE, WA N64ML Incident substantial
The failure of the flight instructor to adequately perform remedial action, and her failure to abort the takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident…

The failure of the flight instructor to adequately perform remedial action, and her failure to abort the takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident include the premature rotation of the airplane by the dual student, the failure of the dual student to maintain adequate airspeed and directional control during the takeoff, and a congested runway area.

Sep 14, 1997 LONG BEACH, CA N61913 Incident substantial the student pilot's misjudged landing flare which led to a balloon and subsequent hard landing.
Aug 31, 1997 LAWRENCEVILLE, GA N9625V Incident substantial The student pilot's improper go-around technique that resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor was a premature flare for landing.
Aug 21, 1997 LANCASTER, CA N9710B Incident substantial Improper flare.
Aug 19, 1997 PRESCOTT, AZ N3266E Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Aug 09, 1997 TOWNSEND, MT N7925G Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.
Aug 06, 1997 KEOKUK, IA N13353 Incident substantial
the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a porpoise, failure (collapse) of the nose gear, and a subs…

the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a porpoise, failure (collapse) of the nose gear, and a subsequent nose over.

Aug 05, 1997 LANGLEY, WA N73158 Incident substantial A failed exhaust valve. Factors were tailwind and excessive airspeed during the ensuing forced landing. .
Aug 03, 1997 QUINTON, VA N9647B Incident substantial The pilot's failure to identify an unsafe landing gear condition. A factor in the accident was the loss of electrical power.
Aug 01, 1997 MILTON, WV N80987 Incident substantial The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Jul 29, 1997 LA PORTE, TX N52336 Incident substantial
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, as he attempted to close and lock the left cabin window.…

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, as he attempted to close and lock the left cabin window. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's failure to follow the before takeoff checklist (secure the windows before starting the takeoff), and his diverted attention.

Jul 24, 1997 FORT WORTH, TX N733HC Incident substantial failure of the pilot in the Cessna 172 to maintain clearance from the Cessna 152 aircraft.
Jul 22, 1997 FITCHBURG, MA N3553S Incident substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Jul 20, 1997 ATHENS, TN N13428 Incident substantial the pilot's failure to initiate a go-around. The pilot's misjudged approach was a factor.
Jul 16, 1997 OTTUMWA, IA N733FT Incident substantial
the improper flare performed by the student and the inadequate recovery from the bounced landing. A factor related to the accident was the student la…

the improper flare performed by the student and the inadequate recovery from the bounced landing. A factor related to the accident was the student lack of experience.

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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