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
Sep 16, 2012 Eloy, AZ N8293E Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare, and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Sep 09, 2012 Acreúna Municipality, BR N1009F Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 25, 2012 Ashland, OR N738AJ Incident substantial The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jul 16, 2012 Rockford, ID N5204K Incident substantial
A partial loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the failure of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve for reasons that could not be determined du…

A partial loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the failure of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve for reasons that could not be determined due to the damage to the valve head and the missing valve stem. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s improper approach to the runway, which resulted in an aborted landing and subsequent off-airport landing.

May 25, 2012 Wichita, KS N73743 Minor substantial
The student pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a colli…

The student pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

Mar 10, 2012 Orleans, VT N738QF Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line while conducting low-altitude flight.
Mar 09, 2012 Kelso, WA N5290D Incident substantial The pilot did not maintain directional control during the landing flare.
Mar 03, 2012 Miranda, VE YV105E Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 17, 2012 Flat Rock, VA N4737D Incident substantial The partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the exhaust valve spring seat for reasons that could not be determined.
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.

Dec 03, 2011 Wauseon, OH N737ET Incident substantial The student pilot's loss of directional control during landing.
Nov 01, 2011 Pompano Beach, FL N739JN Minor substantial
The separation of the throttle cable from its fitting, which resulted in an inability to control engine power. Contributing to the accident was the in…

The separation of the throttle cable from its fitting, which resulted in an inability to control engine power. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance by the owner.

Oct 17, 2011 Covington, LA N2401E Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a banner drop, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.
Sep 22, 2011 Wadsworth, OH N9348E Incident substantial The pilot's misjudgment of his speed and distance, which resulted in an overrun.
Aug 31, 2011 Plymouth, MA N739RU Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Aug 18, 2011 Winnsboro, LA N3209E Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff with a gusting crosswind.
Jul 17, 2011 Porthill, ID N733BT Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a pole.
Jul 04, 2011 Orange Beach, AL N109DP Incident substantial
The operation of the airplane using unapproved fuels, which resulted in abnormal combustion and subsequent damage to the No. 3 cylinder. Contributing …

The operation of the airplane using unapproved fuels, which resulted in abnormal combustion and subsequent damage to the No. 3 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate 100-hour inspection because the mechanic failed to note the lack of placards by either fuel filler cap specifying the minimum automotive fuel grade and no alcohol allowed as specified by the installed STC’s.

Jun 26, 2011 Olympia, WA N5366J Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles.
Jun 19, 2011 Santa Teresa, NM N739ZN Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition, resulting in a runway excursion.
Jun 18, 2011 Bedford Park, IL N172NT Incident substantial A loss of engine power due to a fractured push rod precipitated by a stuck exhaust valve.
Jun 15, 2011 Belle Glades, FL N4954G Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the landing approach.
Apr 10, 2011 Millville, NJ N6338F Incident substantial The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing which resulted in a loss of aircraft control during the go-around.
Apr 06, 2011 Snohomish, WA N492SF Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a hangar while taxiing.
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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