How many accidents has the Cessna 172A had?

The NTSB has recorded 64 events involving the Cessna 172A: 8 fatal, 7 serious, 15 minor injuries, and 34 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 172A a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 172A has 64 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 172A Safety Record

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

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jun 26, 1997	OGDEN, UT	N6844X	Minor	substantial	The fracture of the no. 4 exhaust valve and subsequent loss of engine power. Factors contributing to the accident include a congested landing area, a… The fracture of the no. 4 exhaust valve and subsequent loss of engine power. Factors contributing to the accident include a congested landing area, and rough terrain.
May 07, 1995	COLUSA, CA	N7358T	Minor	destroyed	the pilot's selection of an inadequate en route cruise altitude for the aerial observation flight, and his failure to identify and stop an inadvertent… the pilot's selection of an inadequate en route cruise altitude for the aerial observation flight, and his failure to identify and stop an inadvertent descent while flying over flooded terrain at a very low altitude. Lack of pilot experience in low level operations and glassy water were factors in this accident.
Jul 04, 1993	MOCCASIN, CA	N7875T	Minor	substantial	FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS. FACTORS RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PR… FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS. FACTORS RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OR INFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION.
May 18, 1990	NOVATO, CA	N6816E	Minor	substantial	THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
Jun 08, 1988	CLEVELAND, TX	N7317T	Minor	substantial	Investigation pending
Aug 25, 1986	SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA	N7405T	Minor	destroyed	Investigation pending
Nov 23, 1985	SUNIZONA, AZ	N7130Q	Minor	destroyed	Investigation pending
Feb 28, 1984	SAN JOSE, CA	N7168T	Minor	substantial	Investigation pending
Oct 22, 1983	BENNETT, CO	N7858	Minor	substantial	Investigation pending

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

Cessna 172A Safety Record

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