Cessna 172P Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 696 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

696

All Events

439

Incidents

104

Minor

55

Serious

96

Fatal (200 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Sep 22, 1997 AIRVILLE, PA N55221 Fatal (1) destroyed The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/mush and subsequent collision with terrain.
Aug 08, 1997 ROCKHILL, SC N66098 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to plan and have adequate fuel for the flight.
Jul 29, 1997 LA PORTE, TX N52336 Incident substantial
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, as he attempted to close and lock the left cabin window.…

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, as he attempted to close and lock the left cabin window. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's failure to follow the before takeoff checklist (secure the windows before starting the takeoff), and his diverted attention.

Jul 19, 1997 CHICAGO, IL N5323K Fatal (7) destroyed
the pilots not maintaining visual separation between their airplanes. A factor in this accident was the pilot of the southbound airplane not reportin…

the pilots not maintaining visual separation between their airplanes. A factor in this accident was the pilot of the southbound airplane not reporting her position abeam the airport as directed by the ATC controller.

Jul 06, 1997 WILDWOOD, NJ N97011 Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate use of carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor icing.
Jun 30, 1997 TIOGA, PA N97613 Minor substantial The pilot's improper inflight decision to land downwind with an inoperative airspeed indicator, and his improper landing flare.
Jun 28, 1997 FOWLERVILLE, MI N55121 Incident substantial failure of the pilot to either attain proper touchdown point for landing or go around while he had sufficient airspeed and runway remaining.
Jun 28, 1997 FORT WORTH, TX N53795 Incident substantial
improper planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI), which resulted in his inadvertent encounter with jet blast from a twin jet transport airpla…

improper planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI), which resulted in his inadvertent encounter with jet blast from a twin jet transport airplane.

May 13, 1997 MORRISTOWN, NJ N65983 Serious (1) substantial
The flight instructor's inadequate supervision which allowed the student to solo at night with less than one hour of night instruction with a known in…

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision which allowed the student to solo at night with less than one hour of night instruction with a known inoperative landing and taxi light. A Factor was the student pilot's spatial disorientation which resulted in the loss of control.

May 04, 1997 AUSTIN, TX N53359 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions.
Apr 25, 1997 SAN JOSE, CA N63754 Serious (1) destroyed
The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed to preclude stalling following an improper recovery from a bounced landing. Contributing fa…

The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed to preclude stalling following an improper recovery from a bounced landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's premature and excessive flap retraction and misjudged landing flare.

Apr 21, 1997 MCKINNEY, TX N54153 Incident substantial the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control on the ground after recovery from a bounced landing.
Mar 26, 1997 BURLINGTON, WY N97527 Fatal (1) destroyed loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.
Mar 10, 1997 CLEVELAND, OK N65753 Incident substantial
The pilot/mechanic's improper installation of the spark plug, resulting in its separation from the engine. A factor was the unsuitable terrain availa…

The pilot/mechanic's improper installation of the spark plug, resulting in its separation from the engine. A factor was the unsuitable terrain available in the runway's overrun area.

Mar 01, 1997 JACKSON, TN N98991 Serious (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout while taxing. The reduced visibility was a factor.
Feb 04, 1997 CHESAPEAKE, OH N62332 Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach at night. Related factors were: darkness, and the pilot's lack of night flying ex…

the pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach at night. Related factors were: darkness, and the pilot's lack of night flying experience.

Jan 19, 1997 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL N136FR Minor substantial Failure of other maintenance personnel to properly torque a connecting rod bolt and nut for the No. 3 cylinder during engine overhaul.
Jan 16, 1997 BLOOMINGTON, IN N51448 Incident substantial the pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors included the icy runway and the crosswind.
Dec 31, 1996 ATLANTA, GA N62145 Serious (2) substantial
failure of the pilot to initiate an immediate climb (go-around or missed approach) after encountering fog, while on final approach to land. Darkness …

failure of the pilot to initiate an immediate climb (go-around or missed approach) after encountering fog, while on final approach to land. Darkness and fog at the end of the runway were related factors.

Nov 25, 1996 VAN NUYS, CA N54686 Incident substantial
improper flare by the pilot during the landing, and his improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing, dragged wing tip, …

improper flare by the pilot during the landing, and his improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing, dragged wing tip, and a collapsed main gear.

Nov 20, 1996 MESA, AZ N26FR Incident substantial the pilot's misjudged landing flare and improper bounced landing recovery technique, which led to an inadvertent porpoise.
Nov 12, 1996 WAUKEGAN, IL N55161 Incident substantial the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor was the pilot's misjudging the flare.
Oct 26, 1996 ST. CROIX, N9818L Fatal (3) destroyed the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.
Oct 15, 1996 KINGSBURG, CA N6187K Minor destroyed
the student pilot's use of an excessively lean mixture, which led to engine overheating, detonation, subsequent failure of the number 2 piston, and a …

the student pilot's use of an excessively lean mixture, which led to engine overheating, detonation, subsequent failure of the number 2 piston, and a forced landing.

Sep 21, 1996 RICHWOOD, WV N848LF Incident substantial
improper in-flight planning/decision by the flight crew, and inadequate supervision by the check pilot, which resulted in the flight crew's failure to…

improper in-flight planning/decision by the flight crew, and inadequate supervision by the check pilot, which resulted in the flight crew's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from trees on rising terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: rising/mountainous terrain.

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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