How many accidents has the Cessna 172R had?

The NTSB has recorded 422 events involving the Cessna 172R: 64 fatal, 21 serious, 35 minor injuries, and 299 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 172R a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 172R has 422 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 172R Safety Record

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

422

All Events

299

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (118 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Apr 24, 2002	Alamogordo, NM	N6288R	Incident	substantial	the loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing after takeoff.
Apr 13, 2002	McKinney, TX	N58AF	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while taxiing from landing.
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.
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.
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.
May 19, 2001	Alton, IL	N9532K	Incident	substantial	The misjudged flare by the pilot.
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.
Apr 09, 2001	Lawrence, MA	N2462T	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper flare.
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.
Jul 05, 2000	ATHENS, MI	N996WW	Incident	substantial	the failure of the student pilot to maintain control of the aircraft, the inadequate supervision by the flight instructor, and the delayed remedial ac… the failure of the student pilot to maintain control of the aircraft, the inadequate supervision by the flight instructor, and the delayed remedial action performed by the flight instructor. A factor to the accident was the runway edge light that was struck during the go-around.
Apr 18, 2000	BATTLE CREEK, MI	N975BC	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing. Factors associated with the accident were the misjudg… the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing. Factors associated with the accident were the misjudged landing flare, the student's lack of total experience, the runway lights, and the runway signs.
Feb 21, 2000	WATERFORD, MI	N922TA	Incident	substantial	the directional control not obtained/maintained by the dual student and the remedial action not performed by the certified flight instructor. Contrib… the directional control not obtained/maintained by the dual student and the remedial action not performed by the certified flight instructor. Contributing factors were the crosswind and the snow bank.

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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Cessna 172R Safety Record

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