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 16, 2008 Huntington, IN N733KC Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertent use of the toe …

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertent use of the toe brake.

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.

Jul 12, 2008 Edgewater, MD N734AT Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged distance/speed during landing.
Jun 28, 2008 Sa Pobla, SP EC-IRP Fatal (3) substantial Investigation pending
Jun 26, 2008 El Cajon, CA N6360D Incident substantial
The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice resulting from the flight instructor's failure to use the carburetor heat when simulating an engine fai…

The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice resulting from the flight instructor's failure to use the carburetor heat when simulating an engine failure. Contributing to the accident were the carburetor icing weather condition and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

May 26, 2008 Sells, AZ N2857E Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain proper runway alignment.
May 24, 2008 Blue Ash, OH N75528 Incident substantial
The separation of the throttle cable from the linkage during the approach to land and the altitude/clearance not being available to the pilot during t…

The separation of the throttle cable from the linkage during the approach to land and the altitude/clearance not being available to the pilot during the forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the electrical wires the airplane impacted.

May 20, 2008 Palo Alto, CA N6521J Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Mar 08, 2008 Charlottesville, VA N733LE Incident substantial The pilot's improper engine starting procedures.
Mar 03, 2008 Centre, AL N203GT Incident substantial The pilot's improper landing flare, resulting in a hard landing.
Feb 19, 2008 Perry, GA N3015E Incident substantial The student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during landing. Contributing to the accident were the gusting winds.
Jan 25, 2008 Beaver Marsh, OR N734KU Minor substantial The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision to land on a snow covered runway without first determining the depth of the snow.
Jan 22, 2008 South St. Paul, MN N738UE Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident were the snow-cover…

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident were the snow-covered runway and the gusty wind conditions.

Jan 20, 2008 Corona, CA N737EJ Fatal (4) destroyed The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane.
Dec 18, 2007 Talladega, AL N2180E Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane.
Dec 01, 2007 Gaithersburg, MD N259ER Minor substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an attempted touch-and-go. Contributing to the accident was the instructor's delay in …

The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an attempted touch-and-go. Contributing to the accident was the instructor's delay in taking remedial action, and the presence of trees in proximity to the side of the runway.

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.

Nov 21, 2007 Hamilton, NJ N172MG Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate fuel consumption calculations which resulted in fuel exhaustion.
Nov 17, 2007 Statesboro, GA N6492E Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain a proper flare at touchdown.
Nov 17, 2007 Atwater, CA N3318E Minor substantial
The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors contributing to the accident included the sign and …

The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors contributing to the accident included the sign and the ditch.

Oct 24, 2007 Grand Junction, CO N1422E Incident substantial the pilot's improper flare resulting in a hard landing.
Oct 20, 2007 Daggett, CA N5323D Incident substantial The flight's encounter with a strong gusty wind condition.
Oct 07, 2007 Oxford, MS N5260J Minor substantial The pilots inadvertent stall during takeoff. A contributing factor was his failure to calculate the aircraft gross weight prior to the flight.
Oct 04, 2007 Calhan, CO N2263E Minor substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Oct 02, 2007 Green Valley, AZ N6291D Incident substantial The loss of engine power due to the separation of the number three cylinder exhaust rocker arm.
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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