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
Apr 30, 2006 Billings, MT N739AJ Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a sign while taxiing to parking.
Mar 31, 2006 Daytona Beach, FL N172FL Incident substantial The pilot's improper landing flare/touchdown, which resulted in the airplane porpoising and incurring damage.
Mar 07, 2006 Compton, CA N739NU Minor substantial control interference by the student pilot during a go-around that resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines.
Feb 12, 2006 New Hudson, MI N222UN Incident substantial
The solo student pilot's failure to properly compensate for the crosswind, resulting in his failure to maintain directional control during landing. F…

The solo student pilot's failure to properly compensate for the crosswind, resulting in his failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors were the crosswind and the snow bank.

Feb 11, 2006 Sacramento, CA N739GY Incident substantial the failure of the pilot of the other airplane to maintain an adequate clearance from obstacles while taxiing.
Jan 31, 2006 Snohomish, WA N492SF Incident substantial
Carburetor heat was not used during the initial climb in probable serious carburetor icing conditions during cruise power. Carburetor icing condition…

Carburetor heat was not used during the initial climb in probable serious carburetor icing conditions during cruise power. Carburetor icing conditions and wet terrain were factors.

Dec 22, 2005 La Verne, CA N738AH Incident
the failure of the pilot of the other aircraft to comply with his air traffic control clearance and line up for the proper runway, and his failure to …

the failure of the pilot of the other aircraft to comply with his air traffic control clearance and line up for the proper runway, and his failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in his in-flight collision with the Cessna airplane.

Nov 09, 2005 Arlington, TX N5437J Incident substantial The students improper recovery from a bounced landing. A contributing factor was the pilots excessive airspeed on final approach.
Nov 07, 2005 Perry, GA N3015E Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a touch-and-go landing on initial takeoff climb, resulting in a hard landing on the departure …

The student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a touch-and-go landing on initial takeoff climb, resulting in a hard landing on the departure runway.

Nov 06, 2005 Sherman, TX N2884E Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Oct 24, 2005 Barcelona, SP EC-EME Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Oct 02, 2005 Punta Gorda, FL N952AC Incident substantial The in-flight collision with a bird resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.
Aug 22, 2005 Ramona, CA N734MY Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Aug 17, 2005 Cedar City, UT N9892J Incident substantial the loss of engine power for reasons undetermined. Contributing factors include the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and the soft dirt.
Jul 20, 2005 North Las Vegas, NV N4961D Incident substantial the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Jul 17, 2005 Bonners Ferry, ID N120ER Serious (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Mountainous terrain was a factor.
Jul 10, 2005 Penrose, NC N73747 Fatal (1) destroyed
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use the full length of the runway for takeof…

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use the full length of the runway for takeoff, and the inadvertent stall.

Jun 23, 2005 Edgartown, MA N5118D Serious (3) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with terrain. [THIS REPOR…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with terrain. [THIS REPORT WAS MODIFIED ON JUNE 10, 2008]

Jun 19, 2005 Hudson, CO N733RL Incident substantial
The flight instructor's improper use raising of the flaps. Contributing factors were the student pilot's misunderstanding of the instructor's intenti…

The flight instructor's improper use raising of the flaps. Contributing factors were the student pilot's misunderstanding of the instructor's intentions, the instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot, the density altitude, and the soft terrain.

Jun 13, 2005 Madison, WI N6454J Incident substantial
The pilot's improper pre-flight which resulted in the control lock not being removed and his subsequent inability to control the airplane. The unmark…

The pilot's improper pre-flight which resulted in the control lock not being removed and his subsequent inability to control the airplane. The unmarked control lock and the FBO's failure to replace the unmarked control lock were factors in the accident.

May 30, 2005 Stockton, CA N172MR Incident substantial the pilot's improper use of the brakes, and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout.
Apr 27, 2005 Palo Alto, CA N737WF Incident substantial The student's failure to maintain directional control and the CFI's failure to adequately supervise the flight.
Apr 17, 2005 Wellington, OH N1086F Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, and his failure to initiate a go-around, which resulted in an overrun during landing. A fac…

The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, and his failure to initiate a go-around, which resulted in an overrun during landing. A factor in the accident was the tail wind.

Apr 14, 2005 Olney, TX N733UV Minor substantial
The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Contributing factors were the weather conditions conducive for carburetor icing and the lack of suita…

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

Apr 01, 2005 San Jose, CA N4789G Incident substantial the student pilot's misjudged landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
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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