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
Mar 05, 2011 Montana Creek, AK N447AF Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to recognize that he was landing at the wrong airstrip on a snow-covered and unplowed runway, resulting in the airplane nosing ove…

The pilot's failure to recognize that he was landing at the wrong airstrip on a snow-covered and unplowed runway, resulting in the airplane nosing over.

Jan 28, 2011 Shreveport, LA N5929T Incident substantial The student pilot's loss of directional control during the landing.
Dec 02, 2010 Warrensburg, MO N465CM Incident substantial A hard landing for undetermined reasons.
Nov 12, 2010 Farmersburg, IN N531HF Incident substantial A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Sep 28, 2010 Tulsa, OK N5145U Serious (1) destroyed
A shorted terminal lug on the landing gear hydraulic pump which resulted in a cabin fire. Contributing to the accident was the lack of clear installat…

A shorted terminal lug on the landing gear hydraulic pump which resulted in a cabin fire. Contributing to the accident was the lack of clear installation procedures for the hydraulic pump.

Aug 14, 2010 Key West, FL N2435X Serious (1) substantial
The non-instrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation during night, over-water, low-ambient-light conditions, which resulted in the airplane impacti…

The non-instrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation during night, over-water, low-ambient-light conditions, which resulted in the airplane impacting the ocean.

Apr 30, 2010 Hampton, VA N429FF Incident substantial
The student pilot's inadequate landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing. Contributing to the accident was the student’s decision to …

The student pilot's inadequate landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing. Contributing to the accident was the student’s decision to land with a tailwind.

Mar 05, 2010 Newark, OH N391ES Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Feb 21, 2010 Lockhart, TX N5404V Incident substantial
The flight instructor’s failure to use the emergency checklist, and his failure to extend the landing gear manually. Contributing to the accident was …

The flight instructor’s failure to use the emergency checklist, and his failure to extend the landing gear manually. Contributing to the accident was the electrical failure/malfunction for reasons undetermined.

Feb 18, 2010 Albany, OH N9771B Minor substantial
The pilot’s decision to initiate and continue the flight into known icing conditions with an airplane not properly equipped for flight into icing cond…

The pilot’s decision to initiate and continue the flight into known icing conditions with an airplane not properly equipped for flight into icing conditions which exceeded the capabilities of the airplane.

Jan 06, 2010 Ramona, CA N35414 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go landing.
Aug 25, 2009 Rockaway, NJ N6117R Minor substantial A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation for undetermined reasons.
Jul 19, 2009 West Chicago, IL N77AF Incident
A partial loss of engine power due to the detachment of the throttle control cable from the throttle assembly during a landing approach. Contributing …

A partial loss of engine power due to the detachment of the throttle control cable from the throttle assembly during a landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a redundant means to preclude the detachment of the cable from the throttle assembly.

Jul 04, 2009 Morristown, NJ N751DW Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a parked aircraft during taxi operations.
Jun 10, 2009 Brownwood, TX N6393R Incident substantial An in-flight collision with a large bird while on the downwind leg of a traffic pattern.
May 09, 2009 Coeur d'Alene, ID N2383Q Incident substantial The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswinds while landing.
Apr 05, 2009 Charleston, SC N6208V Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing. Contributing to the accident was the diversion of the pilot's attention to an airplane …

The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing. Contributing to the accident was the diversion of the pilot's attention to an airplane on a converging final approach course.

Mar 17, 2009 Lafayette, IN N2382R Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare. Contributing to the accident were the wind gusts.
Mar 08, 2009 Oceanside, CA N2478B Serious (2) substantial A total loss of engine power in flight due to the fatigue failure of the No. 4 cylinder.
Jan 10, 2009 Carson City, NV N6272R Incident substantial The overload failure of the landing gear actuator at an undetermined time.
Dec 27, 2008 Morristown, NJ N178AF Incident substantial
The flight instructor's failure to execute a missed approach when insufficient runway remained for landing. Contributing to the accident were the low …

The flight instructor's failure to execute a missed approach when insufficient runway remained for landing. Contributing to the accident were the low ceiling and visibility conditions.

Dec 06, 2008 Ft. Lauderdale, FL N369ES Fatal (4) substantial The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other aircraft.
Dec 02, 2008 Truckee, CA N172MN Incident substantial The pilot misjudged the landing flare resulting in a hard landing.
Nov 19, 2008 Cleveland, MS N941SM Incident substantial The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear prior to touchdown.
Nov 09, 2008 Manville, NJ N6180R Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a nose-wheel-first landing.
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.
← Cessna 172R For Sale All Cessna Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data
View 16 Cessna 172R for sale ↓