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
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.
Dec 09, 2000	MOUNT STERLING, KY	N80854	Minor	substantial	The student pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Oct 19, 2000	CAMP SPRINGS, MD	N950ME	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper in-flight decision to operate close behind a large airplane at the same altitude, which resulted in a wake turbulence encounter.
Oct 07, 2000	SPARTA, WI	N13214	Minor	destroyed	the pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations, improper fuel management, inadequate in-flight planning/decision, flight to destination alternat… the pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations, improper fuel management, inadequate in-flight planning/decision, flight to destination alternate not performed, and the discontinued planned approach to the initially selected runway. Contributing factors were the fuel system not understood by the pilot. The tree was additional factor.
Sep 20, 2000	BROOKINGS, OR	CGHNV	Serious (1)	substantial	The pilot's loss of control during the landing attempt. Trees, a crosswind condition, the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, an… The pilot's loss of control during the landing attempt. Trees, a crosswind condition, the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and a delayed remedial action were factors.
Aug 17, 2000	HARBOR SPRINGS, MI	N80310	Incident	substantial	the pilot's long touchdown, and inadequate braking to stop on the runway. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot's improper in-flight plann… the pilot's long touchdown, and inadequate braking to stop on the runway. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision resulting in the long touchdown, and the fence.
Aug 08, 2000	MANTEO, NC	N3529Q	Minor	substantial	The pilot's failure of preflight planning preparation, which resulted in the fuel exhaustion, and the subsequent loss of engine power.
Jul 27, 2000	OAKLAND, CA	N4312R	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper landing flare.
Jul 19, 2000	COLUMBUS, OH	N80624	Minor	substantial	a partial power loss for undetermined reason(s).
Jun 22, 2000	WALLACE, ID	N9895V	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees. Related factors were trees and mountainous terrain.
Jun 18, 2000	DECATUR, IL	N6557H	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the T-hangar while taxiing. A Factor associated with the accident was the pilot's attention was divert… the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the T-hangar while taxiing. A Factor associated with the accident was the pilot's attention was diverted to an other airplane which was taxiing on the same taxi line in the opposite direction.
Jun 08, 2000	DAVIS, NC	N4422Q	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind. The crosswind was a contributing factor.
May 02, 2000	CORNELL, WI	N13145	Fatal (3)	destroyed	the pilot not maintaining aircraft control and the stall/spin he encountered. A factor was the extended flaps.
Apr 30, 2000	CLINTON, TN	N13330	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning necessitating an intentional ground loop maneuver on landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's misjudg… The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning necessitating an intentional ground loop maneuver on landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's misjudgment of distance/airspeed, the high terrain surrounding the runway, and the tailwind condition.
Mar 18, 2000	SACRAMENTO, CA	N80205	Incident	substantial	The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll. A rough, uneven runway surface was a factor in the … The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll. A rough, uneven runway surface was a factor in the accident.
Mar 07, 2000	MANILLA, AR	N20179	Minor	substantial	The pilot's performance of low altitude flight and his failure to maintain clearance with the power lines.
Feb 15, 2000	PARKERTOWN, OH	N1742V	Incident	substantial	The inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes.
Jan 23, 2000	SQUAMISH, CA	N1673V	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jan 17, 2000	LIBERAL, KS	N12654	Minor	substantial	the pilot not maintaining proper glidepath on the ILS approach, the pilot's improper decision to continue the approach below the glidepath, and the pi… the pilot not maintaining proper glidepath on the ILS approach, the pilot's improper decision to continue the approach below the glidepath, and the pilot's failure to perform a missed approach. Factors relating to the accident were the low ceiling and visibility, and the fog.
Dec 09, 1999	AVA, MO	N69LM	Incident	substantial	the improper in-flight decision made by the pilot. Factors to the accident were the charts/other manuals depicting the incorrect frequency, the dirt … the improper in-flight decision made by the pilot. Factors to the accident were the charts/other manuals depicting the incorrect frequency, the dirt bank, and the rocks.
Dec 09, 1999	PIKEVILLE, NC	N9234H	Serious (1)	substantial	The inadequate supervision of the private-rated pilot by the certified flight instructor for allowing the airplane to impact terrain during a simulate… The inadequate supervision of the private-rated pilot by the certified flight instructor for allowing the airplane to impact terrain during a simulated forced landing procedure to an open field.
Oct 29, 1999	PINEVILLE, LA	N5301E	Minor	substantial	The student pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed during approach resulting in his failure to attain the proper touchdown point.
Oct 28, 1999	MACKAY, ID	N12376	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to land at the proper touchdown point. Factors include a wind gust, a grass runway, and a drop-off into rough terrain at the end o… The pilot's failure to land at the proper touchdown point. Factors include a wind gust, a grass runway, and a drop-off into rough terrain at the end of the runway.
Sep 11, 1999	DALEVILLE, IN	N172DJ	Minor	substantial	A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Sep 11, 1999	TAHOLA, WA	N8995V	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate directional control and his failure to maintain clearance from trees along the side of the landing area. Factors include a land… The pilot's inadequate directional control and his failure to maintain clearance from trees along the side of the landing area. Factors include a landing area surrounded by tall trees.

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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