Cessna 172A Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 64 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

64

All Events

34

Incidents

15

Minor

7

Serious

8

Fatal (10 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Mar 16, 2025 Fairbanks, AK N7274T Minor substantial
The pilot’s decision to initiate the flight despite identifying a malfunction in the carburetor heat system during the pre-takeoff engine run-up, whic…

The pilot’s decision to initiate the flight despite identifying a malfunction in the carburetor heat system during the pre-takeoff engine run-up, which led to a partial loss of engine power during climb out. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s improper rigging of the carburetor heat control cable.

Apr 25, 2022 Stockbridge, GA N7572T Minor substantial
The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during an unstabilized approach, which resulted in an impact with powerlines and a subsequent loss of …

The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during an unstabilized approach, which resulted in an impact with powerlines and a subsequent loss of control

Jul 28, 2017 Enumclaw, WA N7243T Serious (2) substantial
The pilot's improper approach for landing, which resulted in the airplane landing long, and his delayed decision to go around with insufficient runway…

The pilot's improper approach for landing, which resulted in the airplane landing long, and his delayed decision to go around with insufficient runway remaining, which resulted in collision with an airport perimeter fence.

May 31, 2013 Eatonville, WA N7701T Minor substantial
A partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in a s…

A partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in a stall.

Feb 24, 2013 Vineland, MN N76NG Incident substantial The pilot’s decision to attempt a touch-and-go landing on a narrow, ice-covered road with snow banks on each side.
Jan 17, 2011 Clarendon, TX N7262T Serious (1) substantial The pilot's failure to correctly set the altimeter, which resulted in his erroneous perception that the airplane was at a safe altitude.
Oct 03, 2009 Payson, AZ N7810T Incident substantial The stress corrosion cracking of the nose gear landing fork, which resulted in the fork's failure during landing.
May 26, 2009 Glenburn, ME N6843X Incident substantial The pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during landing.
Mar 20, 2009 Corsicana, TX N7326T Incident destroyed The pilot's improper flare.
Oct 23, 2008 Coolidge, AZ N7822T Minor substantial
A total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspecti…

A total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.

Aug 28, 2008 Albuquerque, NM N6539B Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain proper glide angle during the landing approach which resulted in a collision with a pole. Contributing to the acciden…

The pilot's failure to maintain proper glide angle during the landing approach which resulted in a collision with a pole. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of qualification, experience and the high density altitude.

May 13, 2008 Jamestown, PA N9822T Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain control after takeoff resulting in contact with the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate pr…

The pilot's failure to maintain control after takeoff resulting in contact with the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning resulting in a takeoff from a short, wet, soft, runway.

Apr 25, 2007 Sarasota, FL N7224T Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control during landing, and collision with objects. Factors asso…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control during landing, and collision with objects. Factors associated with the accident were wind gusts and a crosswind.

Jun 09, 2006 Durant, OK N9733T Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin.
Jan 08, 2006 Othello, WA N9852T Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. A factor was the berm.
Dec 11, 2005 Corona, CA N7187T Incident substantial failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other during traffic pattern operations at a non-towered airport.
Mar 11, 2005 Emigrant Gap, CA N4682G Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his selection of an unsuitable landing area, resulting in an encounter with a snow-covered runway.
Mar 21, 2004 Springfield, MO N7265T Minor substantial
The pilot failed to initiate a go-around and the airplane porpoised during the hard landing. Factors associated with the accident were the excessive…

The pilot failed to initiate a go-around and the airplane porpoised during the hard landing. Factors associated with the accident were the excessive groundspeed and the overload failure of the nose gear.

Feb 22, 2002 Albuquerque, NM N6845X Incident substantial the pilot's delay in executing a go-around while conducting a simulated emergency landing, which resulted in an in flight collision with terrain.
Jan 02, 2000 DOS PALOS, CA N7249T Minor substantial
A partial loss of engine power due to the failure of maintenance personnel to properly install and safety the throttle arm to the carburetor throttle …

A partial loss of engine power due to the failure of maintenance personnel to properly install and safety the throttle arm to the carburetor throttle shaft.

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.
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.
May 17, 1998 VAN NUYS, CA N7222T Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance due to his inadequate visual lookout and selection of the wrong taxi route. Contributing factors w…

The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance due to his inadequate visual lookout and selection of the wrong taxi route. Contributing factors were the pilot's diverted attention while taxiing in the vicinity of a construction area.

Mar 25, 1998 PAXSON, AK N7339T Incident destroyed The pilots failure to maintain terrain clearance while flying into a box canyon, and an inadvertent stall during his attempt to reverse direction.
Oct 03, 1997 GRAND JUNCTION, CO N7692T Incident substantial Encounter with high gusting winds while standing with the engine running
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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Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data