Cessna 172C Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 49 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

49

All Events

23

Incidents

11

Minor

5

Serious

10

Fatal (16 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Feb 20, 2025 Argyle, NY N1609Y Incident substantial
The mechanic’s incorrect installation of the oil temperature gauge probe in the oil filter adapter and failure to test run the engine for oil leaks af…

The mechanic’s incorrect installation of the oil temperature gauge probe in the oil filter adapter and failure to test run the engine for oil leaks after the installation, which resulted in a total loss of oil and the pilot’s decision to perform a precautionary landing. Contributing was the pilot’s long/fast landing, which resulted in a runway overrun.

Oct 20, 2023 Wichita, KS N1413Y Incident substantial
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power d…

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Dec 09, 2017 Algona, IA N8856B Incident substantial The No. 1 cylinder head separating at the cylinder head-to-barrel interface and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
May 07, 2011 Grants Pass, OR N8287X Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed on approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aug 11, 2007 Pascagoula, MS N1835Y Incident substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Jan 25, 2006 Pagosa Springs, CO N1407Y Incident substantial
the pilot initiating flight into known adverse weather, and his delay in not taking remedial action sooner by not making a precautionary landing. Cont…

the pilot initiating flight into known adverse weather, and his delay in not taking remedial action sooner by not making a precautionary landing. Contributing factors include the pilot's failure to obtain preflight and in-flight weather briefings, his continuing VFR flight into IMC, snow-covered terrain, and trees.

Jul 04, 2004 Pottstown, PA N38RA Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
May 15, 2004 Fort Leavenwort, KS N1806Y Incident substantial The inadequate flare by the pilot.
Dec 05, 2001 Corona, CA N1834Y Incident substantial
a loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper use of the carburetor heat controls while in weather conditions conducive to serious carburetor ici…

a loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper use of the carburetor heat controls while in weather conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing.

Jul 18, 2001 Grand Island, NE N1860Y Incident substantial
The procedures for using carburetor heat not followed by the student pilot and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. Addition…

The procedures for using carburetor heat not followed by the student pilot and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. Additional factors included the carburetor icing conditions, the carburetor icing, the student pilot's lack of experience, and the crop.

Nov 26, 1998 TALLAHASSEE, FL N1377Y Incident substantial an on ground collision with a horse.
Nov 14, 1998 FALLS CITY, NE N1806Y Incident substantial
the flight instructor (on the ground)'s conducting inadequate initial training of the student pilot. Factors were the student pilot's misjudging the …

the flight instructor (on the ground)'s conducting inadequate initial training of the student pilot. Factors were the student pilot's misjudging the flare and his lack of total experience in the type of operation.

Jun 11, 1997 FALL CITY, WA N1319Y Incident substantial the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. The soft, wet terrain was a related factor.
Oct 07, 1996 MESA, AZ N1332Y Incident substantial the pilot's improper use (positioning) of the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power.
Aug 01, 1995 RED LODGE, MT N1364Y Incident substantial
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING WERE…

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING WERE FACTORS.

Aug 23, 1992 WEATHERFORD, TX N1672Y Incident substantial FUEL STARVATION AS RESULT OF A BLOCKED FUEL VENT SYSTEM. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
Oct 13, 1991 COLVILLE, WA N64475 Incident substantial THE PILOT'S DELAYED GO-AROUND. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF DISTANCE AND SPEED DURING THE APPROACH.
Aug 01, 1987 CUT BANK, MT N9748T Incident substantial Investigation pending
Mar 08, 1987 KAHULUI, HI N6353F Incident substantial Investigation pending
Aug 30, 1986 BEMENT, IL N8404X Incident substantial Investigation pending
Mar 01, 1986 WAUPUN, WI N1636Y Incident substantial Investigation pending
Nov 16, 1984 TITUSVILLE, FL N1554Y Incident destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 30, 1983 PORTSMOUTH ISL., NC N8338X Incident 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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