Cessna 172RG Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 241 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

241

All Events

157

Incidents

23

Minor

16

Serious

44

Fatal (85 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Sep 26, 2002 Billings, MT N6525R Incident substantial The failure of the landing gear actuator during landing as a result of fatigue.
Sep 21, 2002 DEL MAR, CA N6303V Incident substantial
The loss of engine power due to failure of the number three connecting rod cap. Also causal was the failure of the pilot of a previous flight to repo…

The loss of engine power due to failure of the number three connecting rod cap. Also causal was the failure of the pilot of a previous flight to report an engine overspeed event precluding the performance of the appropriate maintenance inspection.

Aug 12, 2002 Rochester, NY N888RG Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing. A factor in the accident was the slow response time of the airspeed indicator.
Aug 11, 2002 West Milford, NJ N6257R Serious (2) substantial The private pilot's excessive rotation and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
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 23, 2002 Marthasville, MO N5388R Fatal (1) destroyed The inadequate supervision and the stall encountered by the certified flight instructor.
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 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.

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 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.

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.
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.
May 27, 2000 PRESCOTT, AZ N5207U Fatal (2) destroyed
The flight instructor's delayed remedial action, and his failure to correct an inappropriate descent during maneuvering flight, while engaged in comme…

The flight instructor's delayed remedial action, and his failure to correct an inappropriate descent during maneuvering flight, while engaged in commercial flight training maneuvers.

Sep 24, 1999 ORLANDO, FL N9536B Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was down and locked following loss of electrical power for undetermined reasons, resulting in subs…

the pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was down and locked following loss of electrical power for undetermined reasons, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane when the right main landing gear collapsed upon landing.

Sep 12, 1999 FORT SMITH, AR N9724B Incident substantial The failure of the electric pump motor/hydraulic power pack resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear upon landing.
Aug 21, 1999 MIAMI, FL N6231V Incident substantial
The delay by the pilot-in-command to extend the gear resulting in collapse of the main landing gear after touchdown. Factors in the accident were the …

The delay by the pilot-in-command to extend the gear resulting in collapse of the main landing gear after touchdown. Factors in the accident were the inoperative gear warning system associated with the throttle due to the broken wire at the throttle microswitch, and the overstress failure of the rudder trim chain master link clip which resulted in disconnection of the rudder trim while trimmed full left.

Aug 07, 1999 CELINA, TX N9620B Incident substantial The failure of the pilot in command to use all of the available runway for takeoff.
May 28, 1999 SANFORD, FL N9561B Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
May 23, 1999 MORRISTOWN, NJ N9475B Incident substantial The right main landing gear collapsed for undetermined reasons.
Mar 29, 1999 MOORPARK, CA N9451D Incident substantial The failure and separation of the number two cylinder for undetermined reasons. A factor was the soft terrain at the forced landing site.
Feb 15, 1999 LAWRENCEVILLE, IL N9506D Incident substantial the fatigue fracture of the landing gear actuator.
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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