Cessna 172N Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 1178 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

1178

All Events

709

Incidents

180

Minor

90

Serious

197

Fatal (403 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Aug 31, 2002 Lakeside, CA N739ZV Incident substantial
The failure of the engine to respond for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the student's decision to continue the simulated emergency maneuver to…

The failure of the engine to respond for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the student's decision to continue the simulated emergency maneuver to an altitude that was insufficient to allow for contingency options. The unsuitable nature of the terrain selected for the landing terrain was a factor in the accident.

Aug 25, 2002 Pinehurst, NC N4859F Incident substantial The student pilot's improper recovery from bounced landing which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.
Aug 25, 2002 Tarboro, NC N2291E Incident substantial
The failure of the solo student to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll/run which resulted in the airplane veering off…

The failure of the solo student to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll/run which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and impacting trees, incurring substantial damage.

Aug 23, 2002 Mesa, AZ N4796E Incident destroyed An electrical fire of unknown origin centered near the circuit breaker/throttle area of the instrument panel.
Aug 05, 2002 Williamsport, PA N739GV Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a building while taxiing.
Aug 04, 2002 Sidney, NE N739VN Incident substantial The pilot not maintaining sufficient airspeed during the takeoff, and the inadvertent stall encountered by the pilot. The low altitude was a factor.
Jul 31, 2002 Fort Collins, CO N5088K Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and subsequent inadvertent stall/mush into terrain during a soft field take off. Contributin…

the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and subsequent inadvertent stall/mush into terrain during a soft field take off. Contributing factors include the pilot's lack of experience and the high density altitude conditions.

Jul 18, 2002 Spearfish, SD N1373E Incident substantial
The probable cause of this accident was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. Differences in c…

The probable cause of this accident was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. Differences in control forces and aircraft handling due to initiating the takeoff without fully retracting the flaps is a contributing factor.

Jul 14, 2002 Middletown, RI N733NQ Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare. A factor was the shifting wind.
Jul 11, 2002 Pickens, SC N737CQ Incident substantial
The pilot's improper preflight planning/preparation that resulted in the airplane's gust lock being left installed which resulted in a loss of control…

The pilot's improper preflight planning/preparation that resulted in the airplane's gust lock being left installed which resulted in a loss of control during the takeoff roll and damage to the airplane when it exited the departure end of the runway and collided with trees.

Jun 24, 2002 NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV N160RA Incident substantial The pilot's decision to continue the flight after dark with an inoperative taxi/landing light deficiency, and his unfamiliarity with the taxiways.
Jun 22, 2002 Lynchburg, VA N5408E Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, a factor was the tailwind.
Jun 22, 2002 Marietta, GA N739PF Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane departing the left side of the runway, imp…

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane departing the left side of the runway, impacting with a gully and nosing over.

Jun 20, 2002 Minneapolis, MN N4808F Incident substantial The pilot did not maintain clearance from the vehicle while taxiing. A factor was the fuel truck.
May 22, 2002 Glen Rose, TX N734KG Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to set the ignition key to the both magnetos position, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing factors were the fa…

The pilot's failure to set the ignition key to the both magnetos position, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing factors were the failure of the left magneto, the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing, and the dark night.

Apr 10, 2002 Appleton, WI N733PX Incident substantial The pilots failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll resulting in the subsequent impact with terrain.
Mar 03, 2002 Longmont, CO N5413J Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors included the student pilot's lack of experience, an icy runway, a…

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors included the student pilot's lack of experience, an icy runway, and a mound of snow adjacent to the runway.

Feb 25, 2002 Madera, CA N1977F Incident substantial The pilot's becoming lost/disoriented.
Feb 17, 2002 Durango, CO N4642J Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing factors were the crosswind and the pilot's fatigue from lack…

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing factors were the crosswind and the pilot's fatigue from lack of sleep.

Feb 13, 2002 GLENDALE, AZ N739NS Incident substantial The pilot of the landing airplane failed to maintain directional control resulting in the on-ground collission.
Feb 08, 2002 Santa Fe, NM N75616 Incident substantial
the loss of engine power as result of the failure of the dual magneto. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary l…

the loss of engine power as result of the failure of the dual magneto. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary landing.

Feb 05, 2002 Ottumwa, IA N733FT Incident substantial the student pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff. A contributing factor was the snowbank.
Dec 13, 2001 Broomfield, CO N73892 Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing. A contributing factor was the crosswind.
Nov 24, 2001 Snohomish, WA N733XW Incident substantial The student pilot misjudged the distance from a fence during taxi. The flight instructors inadequate supervision and the fence were factors.
Oct 21, 2001 Provo, UT N5552E Incident substantial
The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in aircraft, and the pilot's lac…

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in aircraft, and the pilot's lack of recent experience in kind of aircraft.

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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