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
May 11, 2000 PICAYUNE, MS N5107G Incident destroyed
An in-flight fire in the vicinity of the firewall from an undetermined source. This resulted in a forced landing to an airport and total consumption o…

An in-flight fire in the vicinity of the firewall from an undetermined source. This resulted in a forced landing to an airport and total consumption of the airplane by fire after landing.

Apr 14, 2000 GROTTOES, VA N1404F Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot's loss of control of the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors included th…

The pilot's loss of control of the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors included the pilot's lack of instrument time under actual conditions, and his lack of recent instrument flight experience.

Sep 16, 1999 PLATTSBURG, MO N1406F Fatal (3) destroyed the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the initial climb. A factor relating to this accident was the inadvertent stall/spin.
Jul 12, 1999 FALMOUTH, KY N3213L Minor substantial A stuck intake-valve on the number one cylinder which resulted in a loss of engine power.
May 01, 1999 SYLVAN SPRINGS, AL N5105G Incident substantial The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Apr 10, 1999 NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV N3289L Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff roll resulting in a collision with taxiway sign. A factor was the sign.
Oct 16, 1998 CONROE, TX N2513L Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees. Factors were the fogged front windshield and side windows.
Jul 24, 1998 COMMERCE, TX N3743R Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind resulting in a loss of control. A factor was the crosswind.
Jun 05, 1998 MARIPOSA, CA N2573L Serious (2) substantial
Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, and improper in-flight decision not to make a precautionary landing for additional f…

Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, and improper in-flight decision not to make a precautionary landing for additional fuel.

Feb 19, 1998 ST. PETERSBURG, FL N1430F Incident substantial
a sudden encounter with wind gusts associated with a quickly passing rain shower which resulted in a nose-over, and subsequent collision with the runw…

a sudden encounter with wind gusts associated with a quickly passing rain shower which resulted in a nose-over, and subsequent collision with the runway.

May 05, 1997 WESTMINISTER, MD N3748F Incident destroyed The pilot misjudged landing distance on the runway and his failure to perform a go-around.
Nov 27, 1996 HAMMOND, LA N2440L Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate preflight, resulting in the total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Oct 05, 1996 CHATHAM, MA N3707R Incident substantial
the pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's lack of experience in the make and m…

the pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of airplane.

Aug 24, 1996 DURANGO, CO N3782F Incident substantial the pilot's improper flaring of the airplane at too high an altitude, resulting in a hard landing.
Aug 17, 1996 ST. PETERSBURG, FL N8016L Fatal (1) substantial An engine malfunction for undetermined reasons. A factor was the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site.
Jul 13, 1996 Hickory, NC N1637F Incident substantial Engine stoppage for undetermined reasons. A factor was the terrain furrows.
Jul 08, 1996 CHERRY TREE, PA N1412F Incident substantial the pilot's failure to assure that adequate takeoff distance was available to clear an obstacle.
Jun 30, 1996 PIERCE, CO N1686F Incident substantial a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the unsuitable terrain.
Jun 26, 1996 JONESVILLE, SC N3887R Serious (1) substantial
the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain altitude and/or clearance from the obstruction (power line) during low altitude flight. …

the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain altitude and/or clearance from the obstruction (power line) during low altitude flight. The lack of natural lighting at dusk was a related factor.

Jun 15, 1996 CROCKETT, TX N8824Z Incident substantial Loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s).
Oct 28, 1995 BORREGO SPRINGS, CA N2552L Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which failed to detect a bird's nest in the air induction system. Factors in the accident were carburetor…

the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which failed to detect a bird's nest in the air induction system. Factors in the accident were carburetor icing conditions and the pilot's improper use of carburetor heat.

Sep 29, 1995 ST. JOHNS, AZ N8034L Fatal (2) destroyed the pilot's failure to assure that the seat adjustment pin was properly engaged prior to takeoff.
Aug 12, 1995 MANTEO, NC N3254C Incident substantial The pilot's improper in-flight decision to touchdown at the mid-field point of the runway.
May 22, 1995 SAN IGNACIO, NM N2840L Serious (2) substantial THE PILOT FLYING AT AN INADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO CLEAR SURROUNDING TERRAIN. FACTORS WERE: HIGH MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.
Apr 16, 1995 HATTIESBURG, MS N3835R Incident substantial
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT DURING DESCENT, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICING, AND SUBSEQUE…

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT DURING DESCENT, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICING, AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING TO UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

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