Cessna 172H Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 180 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

180

All Events

97

Incidents

30

Minor

28

Serious

25

Fatal (43 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jun 01, 2010 Dania Beach, FL N1435F Minor substantial The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Apr 16, 2010 Archer, FL N8112L Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed for undetermined reasons while maneuvering in the vicinity of an airport, which resulted in an aerod…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed for undetermined reasons while maneuvering in the vicinity of an airport, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and hard landing.

Jan 23, 2010 Nightmute, AK N3718F Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane in a strong gusting wind, and his decision to taxi for takeoff in such conditions.
Oct 10, 2009 Tucson, AZ N51302 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff ground roll.
Jul 03, 2009 Clifton, ME N1782F Incident substantial The pilot's mismanagement of his fuel supply which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.
Jun 20, 2009 Lovingston, VA N1664F Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Jun 01, 2009 Uddevalla, SW SE-GUP Fatal (1) destroyed Under the jurisdiction and control of the Swedish government.
Feb 22, 2009 Tucson, AZ N1408F Incident minor The flight instructor’s inadequate situational awareness while taxiing that led to an encounter with jet blast.
Oct 27, 2008 Ingleside, TX N1714F Incident substantial
The pilot's decision to land in crosswind conditions, leading to his inability to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident were the …

The pilot's decision to land in crosswind conditions, leading to his inability to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident were the crosswinds.

Oct 24, 2008 Kadena Air Base, Japan, JA N4961 Serious (1) substantial .
Jun 01, 2008 Brockport, NY N3910R Serious (2) substantial A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the flight instructor's inadequate preflight planning.
May 11, 2008 Brookshire, TX N3870R Incident substantial
The pilot's decision to duck under marked transmission lines and his failure to maintain clearance from the fence. Contributing to the accident was th…

The pilot's decision to duck under marked transmission lines and his failure to maintain clearance from the fence. Contributing to the accident was the marked transmission lines.

Jan 03, 2007 Armstrong, TX N3940R Fatal (3) destroyed
The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions resulting in a loss of control. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions, the…

The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions resulting in a loss of control. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions, the clouds. low ceilings, and the pilot's limited night and instrument experience.

Jul 01, 2006 Ringgold, GA N8084L Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's improper fuel management resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation resulting in a forced landing, and collision wit…

The pilot's improper fuel management resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation resulting in a forced landing, and collision with trees and the ground.

Dec 06, 2005 Waycross, GA N1689F Incident substantial The student pilot's improper landing flare and the CFI's inadequate supervision resulting in a hard landing.
Aug 26, 2005 Corry, PA N3946R Fatal (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with terrain.
May 10, 2005 Plattsmouth, NE N4987R Incident substantial
The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor associated with the accide…

The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor associated with the accident was the gusting crosswind.

Apr 17, 2005 Oakwood, GA N1643F Incident substantial Loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination.
Mar 06, 2005 Waldport, OR N8100L Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude/clearance during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees. A f…

The pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude/clearance during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees. A factor was the tall grass on the turf runway, which slowed the airplane's acceleration during the takeoff roll.

Nov 28, 2004 Belle Plaine, MN N2663L Incident substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during descent, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.
Sep 28, 2004 Houston, TX N189W Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a parked aircraft while taxiing. A contributing factor was the student pilot's anxiety attack.
Nov 26, 2003 Wichita Falls, TX N8058L Minor destroyed The loss of engine power due to an obstruction in the fuel line.
Oct 15, 2003 Manvel, TX N3760R Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the attempted go-around resulting in an inadvertent stall. A contributing factor was the pilot's fail…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the attempted go-around resulting in an inadvertent stall. A contributing factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the crosswind landing.

Jul 24, 2003 Red Wing, MN N8226L Incident substantial The pilot's failure to follow the checklist resulting in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power.
Jul 18, 2003 Isle, MN N1606F Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. The trees, high density altitude, and the soft field were additional fac…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. The trees, high density altitude, and the soft field were additional factors.

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