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
Oct 25, 2002 Sebring, FL N267EP Serious (1) substantial
The student pilot's premature rotation and failure to maintain airspeed during the takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, an uncontrolled de…

The student pilot's premature rotation and failure to maintain airspeed during the takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, an uncontrolled descent, and an impact with the ground.

Oct 24, 2002 Morristown, NJ N4599D Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Oct 15, 2002 Mount Sterling, KY N6413J Fatal (2) destroyed
The failure of the pilot to follow the published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an early descent into an antenna tower. A factor wa…

The failure of the pilot to follow the published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an early descent into an antenna tower. A factor was the low ceiling.

Oct 13, 2002 Pompano Beach, FL N6542J Incident substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Sep 21, 2002 Bumpass, VA N737TG Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. A factor was the narrow runway width.
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 19, 2002 STANARDSVILLE, VA N738JR Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance while descending over mountainous terrain. A factor was the night lighting conditions.
Aug 14, 2002 Shell Lake, WI N4731D Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to departure leading to fuel exhaustion during the flight, the inadequate preflight/inflight plannin…

The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to departure leading to fuel exhaustion during the flight, the inadequate preflight/inflight planning, and the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot during the forced landing attempt. Contributing factors were the pilot being fatigued, the night lighting condition, and the corn crop.

Aug 12, 2002 Tinaquillo, VE YV1856P Serious (1) substantial Investigation pending
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.

Jul 06, 2002 Otis, OR N738QT Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with power lines while conducting low altitude flight resulting in a loss of control and subsequent…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with power lines while conducting low altitude flight resulting in a loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's low altitude flight and the power lines.

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 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 22, 2002 Lynchburg, VA N5408E Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, a factor was the tailwind.
Jun 21, 2002 Rutland, VT N739RS Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff attempt.
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.
Jun 03, 2002 Alhambra, CA N6629E Minor substantial
the pilot's miscalculated fuel consumption, failure to verify the fuel supply on board, and his failure to refuel the airplane prior to takeoff, which…

the pilot's miscalculated fuel consumption, failure to verify the fuel supply on board, and his failure to refuel the airplane prior to takeoff, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.

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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