Cessna 172R Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 422 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

422

All Events

299

Incidents

35

Minor

21

Serious

64

Fatal (118 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Apr 12, 2002 Longview, TX N61LU Incident substantial The in-flight collision with a bird.
Mar 25, 2002 Camarillo, CA N2630U Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Jan 27, 2002 Richmond, VA N9525V Incident substantial The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor in the accident was the pilot improper flare.
Jan 05, 2002 Tampa, FL N2371N Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's unauthorized use of an aircraft for the purpose of commiting suicide.
Oct 01, 2001 Wauchula, FL N851CP Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft while attempting to take off after executing a touch-and-go landing, in gusty wind…

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft while attempting to take off after executing a touch-and-go landing, in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a ground swerve, and the aircraft exiting the runway, and incurring substantial damage when it collided with a ditch.

Sep 30, 2001 Newberg, OR N6515R Incident substantial The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear. A factor was the pilot's failure to follow checklist procedures.
Sep 27, 2001 Englewood, CO N9320D Incident substantial
the failure of the dual student to verify that the landing gear was down and locked, and the failure of the flight instructor to adequately supervise …

the failure of the dual student to verify that the landing gear was down and locked, and the failure of the flight instructor to adequately supervise the dual student.

Sep 17, 2001 Orlando, FL N158RA Incident substantial
The improper installation of the engine vacuum pump by maintenance personnel which resulted in oil exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power.…

The improper installation of the engine vacuum pump by maintenance personnel which resulted in oil exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the none-suitable terrain.

Sep 08, 2001 Orlando, FL N859CP Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to keep a proper visual lookout and ensure proper clearance during taxi operations, which resulted in a collision with another par…

the pilot's failure to keep a proper visual lookout and ensure proper clearance during taxi operations, which resulted in a collision with another parked aircraft.

Sep 05, 2001 Carbonado, WA N44EF Minor substantial
The pilot-in-command's failure to utilize carburetor heat resulting in a loss of power and consequent descent into trees and terrain. Contributing fa…

The pilot-in-command's failure to utilize carburetor heat resulting in a loss of power and consequent descent into trees and terrain. Contributing factors were carburetor icing conditions and mountainous/hilly terrain.

Jul 28, 2001 Gunnison, CO N401TA Serious (3) destroyed
the pilot's failure to attain the proper climb rate, and his improper inflight planning/decision to attempt to cross mountainous terrain at an inadequ…

the pilot's failure to attain the proper climb rate, and his improper inflight planning/decision to attempt to cross mountainous terrain at an inadequate altitude. Contributing factors were the downdraft and the pilot's total lack of experience in mountain flying.

Jul 21, 2001 Ormond Beach, FL N448ER Incident substantial The student pilots improper flare, and improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor was the student pilot's lack of total experience.
Jun 15, 2001 Waveland, MS N4734R Fatal (1) destroyed
The incapacitation of the pilot (cardiovascular) resulting in his inability to fly the airplane and subsequent in-flight collision with trees then a h…

The incapacitation of the pilot (cardiovascular) resulting in his inability to fly the airplane and subsequent in-flight collision with trees then a house.

May 19, 2001 Alton, IL N9532K Incident substantial The misjudged flare by the pilot.
May 03, 2001 Washington, OK N9696B Minor substantial
the in-flight fire for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing. A contributory factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the for…

the in-flight fire for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing. A contributory factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Apr 09, 2001 Lawrence, MA N2462T Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare.
Apr 09, 2001 Ormond Beach, FL N436ER Incident substantial
the flight instructor's inadequate supervision and the dual student's improper use of brakes which resulted in the loss of directional control and co…

the flight instructor's inadequate supervision and the dual student's improper use of brakes which resulted in the loss of directional control and collision with a wind sock. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to follow procedures/directives.

Mar 24, 2001 Waco, TX N4823V Incident substantial
the failure of the number four cylinder exhaust valve which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise. A contributing factor was the lac…

the failure of the number four cylinder exhaust valve which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Mar 20, 2001 Stanford, CA N6307R Incident substantial Failure of company maintenance personnel to properly install and safety wire the oil filter, which subsequently lead to a loss of engine power.
Mar 08, 2001 CARTERSVILLE, GA N651MA Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in the airplane veering off course and subsequent impact with trees.
Feb 13, 2001 Battle Creek, MI N975BC Incident substantial
Aircraft control not maintained by the student pilot during the takeoff roll. Factors to the accident were the student pilot's lack of experience and…

Aircraft control not maintained by the student pilot during the takeoff roll. Factors to the accident were the student pilot's lack of experience and the snowbank.

Feb 03, 2001 Troy, MI N369ER Incident substantial the excessive touchdown airspeed and the directional control not maintained by the pilot. The snow bank was a contributing factor.
Jan 31, 2001 Sunfield, MI N6448V Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and the unsuitable terrain for takeoff encountered. Factors included the slushy runway and the snowbank.
Aug 29, 2000 NEW LENOX, IL N364SA Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors to the accident were the pipe that was struck, the crosswind, and the pil…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors to the accident were the pipe that was struck, the crosswind, and the pilot's runway selection.

Aug 05, 2000 LUZERNE, MI N395ES Incident substantial the misjudged flare and porpoise encountered during landing by the pilot. A factor to the accident was the collapse of the nose gear.
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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