Cessna 172K Safety Record

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

226

All Events

133

Incidents

37

Minor

22

Serious

34

Fatal (62 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jan 14, 2003 Gig Harbor, WA N1909V Incident substantial
The loss of engine power in the climb due to the fracture of the number seven engine crankshaft cheek due to the propagation of a fatigue crack initia…

The loss of engine power in the climb due to the fracture of the number seven engine crankshaft cheek due to the propagation of a fatigue crack initiation point. Factors include a vehicle pulling onto the road that the pilot selected for his forced emergency landing.

Nov 23, 2002 Prestonsburg, KY N7192G Incident substantial The loss of oil pressure for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a failure of connecting rod end bolts, due to an over temperature condition.
Aug 01, 2002 Patuxent River, MD N1177M Serious (1) substantial The pilot's inadequate fuel calculations, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power.
Jul 31, 2002 Greeley, CO N7383G Fatal (1) destroyed
the student pilot's improper handling of the airplane's controls (for reason undetermined), and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor. …

the student pilot's improper handling of the airplane's controls (for reason undetermined), and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor. A contributing factor was the high density altitude weather condition.

Jun 13, 2002 Clarkston, WA N84840 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during taxi along the gravel landing site after having landed off the designated runway. A co…

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during taxi along the gravel landing site after having landed off the designated runway. A contributing factor was the embankment which the aircraft's left wing impacted during taxi.

May 24, 2002 Lake Thomas A., CA N79944 Serious (1) substantial
a partial loss of engine power due to the partial malfunction of the left magneto and leakage of the ignition leads for that magneto, due to inadequat…

a partial loss of engine power due to the partial malfunction of the left magneto and leakage of the ignition leads for that magneto, due to inadequate maintenance inspections. Factors in the accident include the high density altitude, the maintenance personnel's failure to accomplish a service bulletin, and the effects of the pilot's manipulation of the mixture and carburetor heat controls.

May 22, 2002 Cedar City, UT N78760 Incident substantial the pilot's inadvertent stall/mush during the landing flare/touchdown. A contributing factor was the gusty crosswind weather conditions.
Jan 05, 2002 Boulder, CO N78035 Fatal (1) destroyed
the pilot's intentional suicidal flight into terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's psychological depressive state, and his use of inappropri…

the pilot's intentional suicidal flight into terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's psychological depressive state, and his use of inappropriate medication.

Jul 15, 2001 Wasilla, AK N78254 Incident substantial The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff roll.
Apr 22, 2001 Honesdale, PA N79210 Incident substantial The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll. A factor was gusting winds.
Mar 20, 2001 Holland, MI N79301 Incident substantial The pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors included the soft ground and the runway lights.
Jan 13, 2001 Martinsville, IN N46628 Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilots decision not to fly to the alternate airport, his decision to continue the flight in known adverse weather conditions, spatial disorientati…

The pilots decision not to fly to the alternate airport, his decision to continue the flight in known adverse weather conditions, spatial disorientation by the pilot, and his failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were the low ceilings, the dark night, the fog, and the trees.

Jan 07, 2001 Troutdale, OR N78284 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions while taxiing the airplane.
Nov 20, 2000 BELCHER, LA N567QL Incident substantial
the total loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Contributing factors were the weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing and the lack of …

the total loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Contributing factors were the weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing and the lack of suitable terrain available for the forced landing.

Nov 17, 2000 HAGERSTOWN, MD N79054 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to remove the gust lock from the control column before takeoff, and his failure to abort the takeoff.
Oct 11, 2000 INDIANTOWN, FL N7396G Incident substantial
The pilot had excessive airspeed, misjudged the landing distance, and did not perform a go-around, which resulted in a nose over. The ditch was a con…

The pilot had excessive airspeed, misjudged the landing distance, and did not perform a go-around, which resulted in a nose over. The ditch was a contributing factor.

Sep 28, 2000 BURNS, OR N84034 Incident substantial The separation of a portion of one propeller blade as a result of a fatigue crack that initiated at the site of foreign object damage to the blade.
Aug 20, 2000 WARWICK, RI N46549 Incident substantial The pilot's delayed recovery from a bounced landing.
Jul 15, 2000 PALO ALTO, CA N79004 Incident minor The pilot of the other airplane's (Cessna) inadequate visual lookout and misjudged distance to the standing Beech.
Jun 21, 2000 ORCHARD, CO N84105 Incident destroyed The pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane. A factor was his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed.
Feb 26, 2000 ALPINE, TX N46469 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. A factor was the crosswind condition.
Sep 17, 1999 MOUNTAIN HOME, AR N84697 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to obtain runway alignment. Factors were the dark night conditions, an embankment, and the pilot's lack of total experience flying…

The pilot's failure to obtain runway alignment. Factors were the dark night conditions, an embankment, and the pilot's lack of total experience flying at night.

Sep 09, 1999 PICKRELL, NE N84385 Incident substantial the loose oil dipstick guide tube resulting in loss of oil and the engine failure. The night condition was a contributing factor.
Jul 16, 1999 TAFT, CA N46451 Minor substantial
The pilot's selection of the wrong runway in consideration of the wind conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control. The pil…

The pilot's selection of the wrong runway in consideration of the wind conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control. The pilot's decision to abort the landing attempt with inadequate runway remaining for the takeoff phase was also causal.

May 08, 1999 SHIRLEY, NY N7068G Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's loss of control of the airplane due to intoxication. A factor was the pilot's self-induced pressure to conduct the flight.
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