Cessna 172S Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 410 events recorded from 1999 to 2025.

410

All Events

310

Incidents

35

Minor

16

Serious

45

Fatal (80 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Aug 08, 2004 Chandler, AZ N5327G Incident substantial the student pilot's failure to abort the takeoff. A contributing factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Aug 01, 2004 Waterloo, AL N970SP Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent and…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent and collision into water.

Jul 20, 2004 Winder, GA N2069S Incident substantial
The improper maintenance (over-pressurization) of the nose gear strut, which resulted in an overload failure of the nose gear upper torque link bolt. …

The improper maintenance (over-pressurization) of the nose gear strut, which resulted in an overload failure of the nose gear upper torque link bolt. The airplane subsequently nosed over during an uncontrollable landing roll.

Jun 30, 2004 Stevensville, MD N421RW Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare during touch down, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jun 26, 2004 Glendale, AZ N35389 Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in a veer off the runway and collision with terrain.
Jun 26, 2004 Fishers, IN N229ME Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate remedial actions after an inadequate landing flare and subsequent hard landing. Additional causes were the pilot-induced porpo…

The pilot's inadequate remedial actions after an inadequate landing flare and subsequent hard landing. Additional causes were the pilot-induced porpoise and the collapse of the nose landing gear.

Jun 25, 2004 Asheville, NC N2116P Serious (1) substantial The CFII's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clear of objects during flight. Factors were clouds and dark night.
Jun 24, 2004 San Antonio, TX N810SA Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing.
Apr 17, 2004 Key West, FL N5280D Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty wind conditions which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and imp…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty wind conditions which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and impacting a sign, incurring damage.

Apr 13, 2004 Long Beach, CA N669SP Incident substantial the student pilot's inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing and porpoise.
Mar 07, 2004 Stevensville, MD N317ME Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing. A factor was the student pilot's lack of experience.
Feb 15, 2004 Riverside, CA N262TA Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in his failure to maintain proper alignment with the taxiway. Factors in the accident were the …

the pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in his failure to maintain proper alignment with the taxiway. Factors in the accident were the dusk lighting conditions and pilot not understanding the ground control taxi clearance.

Dec 07, 2003 Watsonville, CA N396TA Incident substantial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Nov 29, 2003 Wikieup, AZ N518ER Incident substantial
The pilot's selection of an en route altitude that did not provide adequate terrain clearance, and resulted in the in-flight collision with terrain. …

The pilot's selection of an en route altitude that did not provide adequate terrain clearance, and resulted in the in-flight collision with terrain. The rising terrain and the blind/box canyon were contributing factors.

Nov 21, 2003 Orlando, FL N378FA Incident substantial The student pilots improper landing flare and his improper recovery from a bounced landing resulting in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.
Nov 02, 2003 Lakota, ND N730SP Incident substantial
The student pilot not maintaining directional control during takeoff roll on a solo instructional flight. The factor to the accident was the wind gus…

The student pilot not maintaining directional control during takeoff roll on a solo instructional flight. The factor to the accident was the wind gusts.

Oct 02, 2003 Seattle, WA N350ME Incident substantial Improper flare during the landing. Excessive airspeed and improper remedial action were factors.
Sep 25, 2003 Houston, TX N168ME Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's diverted attention while performing the afte…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's diverted attention while performing the after landing check.

Sep 18, 2003 Anacortes, WA N3555L Incident substantial The pilot attempting to taxi the airplane with a known system deficiency. Factors include worn wheel brakes and a drainage ditch.
Aug 07, 2003 Orlando, FL N775SP Incident substantial
The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff roll resulting in the aircraft departing the runway an…

The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff roll resulting in the aircraft departing the runway and incurring substantial damage.

Jul 25, 2003 Olive Branch, MS N970SP Incident substantial
The student pilot's improper landing flare/touchdown and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing which resulted in a hard landing and damage to the…

The student pilot's improper landing flare/touchdown and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing which resulted in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.

Jul 12, 2003 Chandler, AZ N5327G Incident substantial
The pilot's misjudged landing flare, improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control, resulting in a runway sign …

The pilot's misjudged landing flare, improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control, resulting in a runway sign collision.

Jul 10, 2003 Phoenix, AZ N787WW Incident substantial The student's misjudged landing flare and inadvertent entry into a porpoise pilot-induced oscillation.
Jul 08, 2003 McKinney, TX N166ME Fatal (2) destroyed
The CFI's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin during the forced landing. A contributing factor …

The CFI's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin during the forced landing. A contributing factor was the impact with a bird, which affected the performance of the airplane.

Jun 18, 2003 Melbourne, FL N53352 Incident substantial
The pilot's improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to maintain directional cont…

The pilot's improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his failure to execute a go-around.

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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