How many accidents has the Cessna 172M had?

The NTSB has recorded 810 events involving the Cessna 172M: 128 fatal, 72 serious, 136 minor injuries, and 472 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 172M a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 172M has 810 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 172M Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 810 events recorded from 1974 to 2026.

810

All Events

472

Incidents

136

Minor

Serious

128

Fatal (233 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Nov 20, 2001	Crystal River, FL	N1385U	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to keep a proper visual lookout and ensure proper clearance during taxi operations, which resulted in a collision with vehicles.
Nov 17, 2001	Vandalia, MO	N4380R	Minor	substantial	The student pilot's inadequate directional control on the previous landing resulting in the overload failure of the nose landing gear fork. Factors w… The student pilot's inadequate directional control on the previous landing resulting in the overload failure of the nose landing gear fork. Factors were the overload of the nose landing gear fork, and the student pilot's lack of total experience.
Nov 13, 2001	CHANDLER, AZ	N1897V	Incident	substantial	Failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during landing.
Oct 29, 2001	Prescott, AZ	N13514	Incident	substantial	The CFI's improper remedial action and failure to maintain directional control during landing in a strong crosswind condition.
Oct 04, 2001	White Stone, VA	N80562	Minor	substantial	loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Sep 08, 2001	Seattle, WA	N20675	Incident	substantial	Pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout during taxi. A fence was a factor.
Aug 26, 2001	Danbury, CT	N9869Q	Incident	substantial	An inoperative airspeed indicator and the pilot's improper recovery from the bounced landing.
Aug 05, 2001	Milton, WI	N13715	Incident	substantial	The unsuitable terrain for landing encountered by the pilot. Factors were the high vegetation and the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Jul 25, 2001	Placerville, CA	N8962V	Minor	substantial	Inadequate airspeed during climb out following an aborted landing that was precipitated by the pilot's misjudged speed/distance on final approach. Al… Inadequate airspeed during climb out following an aborted landing that was precipitated by the pilot's misjudged speed/distance on final approach. Also, contributing to the accident was the pilot's inexperience in the type of operation, his failure to properly configure the airplane's flaps for the go-around, and the dark nighttime condition.
Jul 19, 2001	Carson City, NV	N20466	Minor	substantial	The pilot's failure to follow the approved procedures for the aircraft when he attempted to takeoff at high density altitude with the wing flaps fully… The pilot's failure to follow the approved procedures for the aircraft when he attempted to takeoff at high density altitude with the wing flaps fully extended.
Jul 18, 2001	Atlantic Ocean, AO	N13237	Incident	substantial	The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Jun 27, 2001	Bozeman, MT	N80830	Incident	substantial	The pilot of another aircraft failed to maintain clearance while maneuvering for a formation flight. An updraft was a factor.
Jun 25, 2001	Napa, CA	N1409V	Incident	substantial	Loss of engine power due to the restricted movement of the number 1 exhaust valve that subsequently bent the exhaust push rod and push rod housing.
Jun 12, 2001	Bennettsville, SC	N12483	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper correction for wind conditions and his failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in the airplane sliding off an emban… The pilot's improper correction for wind conditions and his failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in the airplane sliding off an embankment during taxi from landing.
Jun 09, 2001	Middleton, WI	N191WW	Incident	substantial	The pilot attempted a touch and go on unsuitable terrain. A factor associated with the accident was the tall wet grass airstrip on which the touch an… The pilot attempted a touch and go on unsuitable terrain. A factor associated with the accident was the tall wet grass airstrip on which the touch and go was attempted.
Jun 08, 2001	Miami, FL	N64429	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around resulting in the airplane stalling, descending uncontrolled, impacting the runway, and sli… The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around resulting in the airplane stalling, descending uncontrolled, impacting the runway, and sliding off the runway and nosing over.
Jun 08, 2001	Hot Springs, AR	N5394H	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's delayed go-around, which resulted in the airplane impacting trees during the aborted landing.
Jun 07, 2001	Nashua, NH	N6863H	Incident	substantial	The CFI's improper decision to abort the takeoff and his improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jun 01, 2001	Pingree, ID	CFDGH	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision by failing to refuel while en route, resulting in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power.
May 09, 2001	West Chicago, IL	N13474	Incident	substantial	The inadequate compensation for the crosswind by the student pilot. Additional factors included the student pilot's lack of total flight time, the r… The inadequate compensation for the crosswind by the student pilot. Additional factors included the student pilot's lack of total flight time, the runway sign and the crosswind.
May 04, 2001	Patterson, LA	N5247R	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain control during the go-around. A contributing factor was the wind gust.
Apr 29, 2001	Eveleth, MN	N12891	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions which resulted in the loss of aircraft control. Factors associated with the accident… The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions which resulted in the loss of aircraft control. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty crosswind condition, the pilot's lack of experience, and the trees which were contacted.
Apr 01, 2001	N. Las Vegas, NV	N9572H	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition, and his failure to maintain runway alignment.
Dec 29, 2000	Farmville, VA	N73404	Incident	substantial	the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control.
Dec 19, 2000	MEDFORD, NJ	N789FW	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point. Factors included the loss of electrical power, the dark night, and the pilot's lack of nigh… The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point. Factors included the loss of electrical power, the dark night, and the pilot's lack of night experience.

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 172M Safety Record

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