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
Mar 09, 2003 Concord, NC N52546 Incident substantial
The pilot's improper flare during touchdown and failure to properly recover from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of control and inflight c…

The pilot's improper flare during touchdown and failure to properly recover from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of control and inflight collision with the runway. A factor was the pilot did not understand the porpoise condition during landing.

Oct 06, 2002 Broomfield, CO N65312 Incident substantial
the pilot misjudging the clearance between the airplane and a fixed object during taxi. Contributing factors were the pilot's attention being diverted…

the pilot misjudging the clearance between the airplane and a fixed object during taxi. Contributing factors were the pilot's attention being diverted and sunglare.

Sep 20, 2002 Lutz, FL N612CB Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout and clearance during taxi, which resulted in an on-ground collision with a building.
Sep 16, 2002 Sturtevant, WI N54091 Incident substantial The proper touchdown point not attained and the approach speed not obtained/maintained by the pilot.
Aug 19, 2002 Buffalo City, WI N381J Incident substantial
The malfunction of the seat positioning system for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control. A factor to the accident …

The malfunction of the seat positioning system for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control. A factor to the accident was the descending embankment.

Jul 26, 2002 Creston, CA N5268K Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the dark…

the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the dark night conditions.

Jul 12, 2002 Merritt Island, FL N54119 Incident substantial The pilot's improper recovery after a bounced landing and improper landing flare which resulted in the airplane colliding with the runway.
Apr 08, 2002 McKinney, TX N99341 Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to properly recover from a bounced landing which resulted in the airplane porpoising. A contributing factor was the stude…

the student pilot's failure to properly recover from a bounced landing which resulted in the airplane porpoising. A contributing factor was the student pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in a bounced landing.

Apr 04, 2002 Pensacola, FL N64079 Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accid…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to land with a tailwind.

Mar 24, 2002 OCEAN CITY, NJ N9847L Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control.
Mar 02, 2002 Coatesville, PA N65021 Incident substantial
The student pilot's loss of aircraft control which resulted in a hard landing, and the CFI's delayed remedial action. Factors related to the accident…

The student pilot's loss of aircraft control which resulted in a hard landing, and the CFI's delayed remedial action. Factors related to the accident were the fatigue cracks which initiated at the attachment hole on the landing gear strut, and the crosswind conditions.

Jan 26, 2002 DOYLESTOWN, PA N172P Incident substantial pilot's failure to maintain clearance between the airplane and a parked fuel truck while taxing.
Oct 15, 2001 Knoxville, TN N52685 Incident substantial
The pilot's inattentive preflight inspection, non-compliance with the prestart checklist, decision to leave the cockpit unattended with engine running…

The pilot's inattentive preflight inspection, non-compliance with the prestart checklist, decision to leave the cockpit unattended with engine running, and his inadvertent deactivation of the parking brake as he exited to remove a wheel chock, resulting in non-piloted taxi from the aircraft's starting point and collision with an airport terminal structure.

Sep 02, 2001 Augusta, ME N65057 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain the proper distance from a sign post during taxi.
Jul 25, 2001 Odenton, MD N52266 Incident substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Jul 07, 2001 Cedar Key, FL N52452 Incident substantial The pilot's improper in-flight decision to abort the landing resulted in the collision with water. A factor was the variable wind condition.
Jul 02, 2001 Stevensville, MD N54576 Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare and his improper recovery from a bounced landing.
May 21, 2001 Anchorage, AK N98426 Incident substantial The pilot's selection of an unsuitable taxi area during taxi. A factor associated with the accident was a tree.
Apr 29, 2001 Pleasanton, TX N64776 Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare/touchdown. Contributory factors were the gusty wind and the stud…

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare/touchdown. Contributory factors were the gusty wind and the student pilot's lack of total flight experience.

Apr 19, 2001 Torrance, CA N97984 Incident substantial
The failure of the pilot-in-command to execute a proper landing flare, which resulted in an improper touchdown attitude and a subsequent loss of direc…

The failure of the pilot-in-command to execute a proper landing flare, which resulted in an improper touchdown attitude and a subsequent loss of directional control. A factor in the accident was the difference between landing characteristics of the Katana and the Cessna 172, and the resulting habit interference for the pilot.

Mar 31, 2001 Rangely, CO N54663 Incident substantial
the pilot's improper use of aileron and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the direct gusty crosswi…

the pilot's improper use of aileron and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the direct gusty crosswind.

Feb 09, 2001 Miamisburg, OH N62332 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point. Factors included the nighttime conditions, and the pilot's improper decision to leave the r…

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point. Factors included the nighttime conditions, and the pilot's improper decision to leave the runway lighting at high intensity.

Jan 21, 2001 Prairie Du Sac, WI N53118 Incident substantial the improper trim setting and the pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane. A factor was the snowbank.
Jan 07, 2001 Concord, NH N54931 Incident substantial
The flight instructor's improper decision to land downwind on the snow and ice covered runway with a tailwind, and his failure to perform a go-around.…

The flight instructor's improper decision to land downwind on the snow and ice covered runway with a tailwind, and his failure to perform a go-around. Factors in the accident were the tailwind and the snow and ice on the runway.

Dec 14, 2000 LEADVILLE, CO N127FR Incident substantial the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. A contributing factor was the snow bank next to the runway.
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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