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
Feb 10, 2012 Floresville, TX N5427J Fatal (1) substantial The medical incapacitation of the pilot due to a sudden cardiac arrhythmia or acute myocardial infarction.
Feb 06, 2012 Fresno, CA N7582D Fatal (1) substantial
The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to performanc…

The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to performance-impairing drugs.

Oct 15, 2010 Malaga, CO HK4631 Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 21, 2010 Broken Hill, AS VH-UFN Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Jun 21, 2010 Angels Camp, CA N733AS Fatal (1) substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering.
Mar 06, 2009 Oceanside, CA N726RJ Fatal (1) destroyed A loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.
Jul 27, 2008 McMurray, WA N75558 Fatal (3) substantial
The pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceiling…

The pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.

Jun 28, 2008 Sa Pobla, SP EC-IRP Fatal (3) substantial Investigation pending
Jan 20, 2008 Corona, CA N737EJ Fatal (4) destroyed The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane.
Nov 28, 2007 Marlow, OK N6555D Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and impact with terrain. Contributing to the …

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the low altitude for recovery and the gusty tailwind.

Aug 16, 2007 Rochester, NY N738JE Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failuire to maitain adequate airspeed during a turning maneuver which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
Apr 09, 2007 Page, AZ N6267D Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude, and, his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering to reverse…

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude, and, his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering to reverse course in a box canyon. Contributing to the accident were the rising terrain and the box canyon.

Jul 19, 2006 Petal, MS N738KE Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's improper use of flaps, which resulted in an impact with trees during takeoff-initial climb.
Jul 14, 2006 El Rosario, SP EC-HQR Fatal (3) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 14, 2006 Pompton Lakes, NJ N4792D Fatal (1) destroyed
Improper maintenance of the throttle shaft, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during cruise flight, and subsequent impact with trees du…

Improper maintenance of the throttle shaft, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during cruise flight, and subsequent impact with trees during a forced landing.

Jun 22, 2006 Newry, ME N572BA Fatal (4) destroyed The flight instructor's failure to maintain altitude/clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an impact with trees.
Oct 24, 2005 Barcelona, SP EC-EME Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
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.

Dec 30, 2004 Mount Gilead, OH N737AZ Fatal (3) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions. A factor in th…

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions. A factor in the accident was the rapidly deteriorating weather.

Oct 10, 2004 Germantown, NY N2771J Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which led to VFR flight into IMC and his loss of aircraft control. Factors were night and cloud co…

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which led to VFR flight into IMC and his loss of aircraft control. Factors were night and cloud conditions.

Apr 24, 2004 Moselle, MS N75812 Fatal (3) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance and his inadequate visual look-out while maneuvering resulting in an in-flight collision with a radio tower.
Oct 21, 2003 Olive Branch, MS N75510 Fatal (1) substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (Vso), which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin, an uncontrolled descent, and an impact with terra…

The student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (Vso), which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin, an uncontrolled descent, and an impact with terrain. A factor in the accident was his failure to follow the airplane's operating checklist and retract the wing flaps for takeoff.

Aug 29, 2003 Malaga, SP EC-EUK Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Mar 16, 2003 Foley, MN N5315D Fatal (3) destroyed
The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to spatial disorientation and subsequent impact with the groun…

The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to spatial disorientation and subsequent impact with the ground. Contributing factors was the pilot's lack of instrument rating, the pilot's disregard of the preflight briefing and his failure to follow in-flight weather advisories and a low ceiling.

Feb 23, 2003 ELY, NV N9885J Fatal (2) substantial the pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while flying in a box canyon.
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.
← Cessna 172N For Sale All Cessna Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data
View 58 Cessna 172N for sale ↓