How many accidents has the Cessna 172K had?

The NTSB has recorded 226 events involving the Cessna 172K: 34 fatal, 22 serious, 37 minor injuries, and 133 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 172K a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 172K has 226 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 172K Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 226 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

226

All Events

133

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (62 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Jan 16, 2026	Amery, WI	N79118	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Dec 19, 2024	Southport, NC	N7085G	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, and the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision, which resulted in the subseque… The pilot’s loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, and the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision, which resulted in the subsequent overstress of the airplane during recovery.
Jun 23, 2023	Marana, AZ	N84385	Incident	substantial	A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Feb 24, 2023	Ephraim, UT	N84717	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s improper landing flare and loss of directional control.
Feb 19, 2023	Moline, IL	N84688	Incident	substantial	The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions.
Jan 01, 2023	Conway, AR	N7003G	Incident	substantial	The solo student pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Aug 09, 2022	Kahului, HI	N84352	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s inadequate compensation for gusting winds while maneuvering on the ground.
Jul 27, 2022	Barnstable, MA	N7437G	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point, which resulted in a runway overrun in gusting wind conditions.
Mar 22, 2022	Plains, TX	N7199G	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during taxi with a strong crosswind.
Oct 06, 2021	Williston, FL	N78604	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain on approach which resulted in controlled flight into trees. Contributing to the accident was th… The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain on approach which resulted in controlled flight into trees. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the approach path, the dark night conditions and the landing light being off.
Oct 04, 2016	Wilmot, WI	N46377	Incident	substantial	A failure of the No. 1 piston pin plug due to corrosion in the cylinder barrel, which resulted in oil contamination, oil starvation to the crankshaft … A failure of the No. 1 piston pin plug due to corrosion in the cylinder barrel, which resulted in oil contamination, oil starvation to the crankshaft connecting rod bearings, and a subsequent partial loss of engine power.
Aug 02, 2016	Neenah, WI	N46459	Incident	substantial	A loss of engine power due to oil starvation, which resulted from the pilot, who was not a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic, removing the va… A loss of engine power due to oil starvation, which resulted from the pilot, who was not a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic, removing the vacuum pump from the engine, and his misconception that he could operate the airplane without the pump.
Aug 17, 2015	Chiefland, FL	N84308	Incident	substantial	The partial loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident airframe and engine examination … The partial loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident airframe and engine examination and engine test run revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Jan 17, 2015	Holland, MI	N7061G	Incident	substantial	The pilot's loss of control while landing in gusty wind conditions.
Feb 04, 2014	Eastsound, WA	N78330	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain aircraft control during landing in gusty wind conditions.
Jan 26, 2014	Milan, IL	N4VN	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s delayed use of carburetor heat while operating the airplane in atmospheric conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in a t… The pilot’s delayed use of carburetor heat while operating the airplane in atmospheric conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing during a short final approach.
Sep 15, 2012	Atqasuk, AK	N84549	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control while performing a high-speed taxi in windy conditions.
Jul 04, 2012	Greers Ferry, AR	N84279	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain a positive rate of climb while taking off with a high density altitude.
Jun 15, 2012	Tupelo, MS	N78794	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Mar 20, 2012	Belfast, ME	N46492	Incident	substantial	The flight instructor’s failure to ensure the radio was set correctly to activate the pilot-controlled lighting, which resulted in poor positioning fo… The flight instructor’s failure to ensure the radio was set correctly to activate the pilot-controlled lighting, which resulted in poor positioning for a proper landing and a subsequent off-runway forced landing during an attempted go-around. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.
Mar 16, 2012	Pensacola, FL	N79509	Incident	substantial	A total loss of engine power due to the improper installation of the crankshaft gear bolt or lockplate by maintenance personnel. Contributing to the a… A total loss of engine power due to the improper installation of the crankshaft gear bolt or lockplate by maintenance personnel. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
Nov 28, 2011	Napa, CA	N7952A	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's improper landing flare, inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, and loss of directional control.
Oct 30, 2011	Florence, MT	N7276G	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line during a low-level flight along a river. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's deci… The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line during a low-level flight along a river. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude.
Aug 05, 2011	Sylacauga, AL	N7214G	Incident	substantial	A stuck exhaust-valve on the number one cylinder which resulted in a loss of engine power.
May 05, 2011	Farmersville, TX	N46400	Incident	substantial	A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel management.

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 172K Safety Record

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