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
Nov 12, 2014 Sarasota, FL N60155 Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the engin…

The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the engine firewall. The student pilot's lack of overall flying experience was a factor.

Oct 26, 2014 Santa Monica, CA N353MV Incident substantial
The separation of a section of a propeller blade due to fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to comply with the m…

The separation of a section of a propeller blade due to fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to comply with the manufacturer’s maintenance and inspection instructions.

Oct 16, 2014 Big Bear, CA N612SP Serious (3) substantial
A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any…

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Oct 05, 2014 Sedona, AZ N2179L Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the landing roll out.
Sep 14, 2014 Naples, FL N21670 Incident substantial
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to la…

The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to land due to the deteriorating weather conditions.

Aug 16, 2014 Santa Ynez, CA N10033 Incident substantial The student pilot's inadequate flare and loss of aircraft control during landing, which resulted in multiple bounces.
Jun 29, 2014 Orlando, FL N775SP Minor substantial The flight instructor's failure to maintain control while taxiing in a strong gusty wind.
Jun 25, 2014 Knox, IN N1307C Incident substantial The student pilot's use of excessive back pressure on the flight controls during an attempted go around that induced a stall and loss of control.
Jun 10, 2014 Daytona Beach, FL N5524L Fatal (2) destroyed
A partial loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined due to the postaccident condition of th…

A partial loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined due to the postaccident condition of the wreckage. Contributing to the accident was the pilots' decision to turn back to the airport, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall while maneuvering.

May 23, 2014 Harrisburg, PA N193ME Incident substantial The pilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions during landing, which resulted in a hard landing.
May 09, 2014 Deland, FL N493ER Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student …

The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot resulting in abnormal runway contact and damage to the airplane.

Apr 10, 2014 Everett, WA N1152Z Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a takeoff, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway surface and colliding with…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a takeoff, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway surface and colliding with a sign.

Apr 08, 2014 Albuquerque, NM N5306U Incident substantial The student pilot's improper flare that resulted in a bounced landing.
Feb 17, 2014 Caldwell, NJ N426SP Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
Feb 15, 2014 Mansfield, MA N2143X Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate approach glide path, which resulted in a collision with a snow bank.
Jan 27, 2014 Immokalee, FL N21670 Incident substantial The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Dec 24, 2013 Miami, FL N17223 Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare during a gusty, crosswind landing.
Nov 16, 2013 St. Augustine, FL N873EF Incident substantial The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a crosswind.
Sep 01, 2013 Deer Valley, AZ N2134M Incident substantial
The student pilot's inadequate flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-a…

The student pilot's inadequate flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's improper go-around procedures.

Aug 29, 2013 Fort Lauderdale, FL N6065P Incident substantial
The student pilot’s failure to apply power to go-around following a bounced landing resulting in abnormal runway contact and collapse of the nose land…

The student pilot’s failure to apply power to go-around following a bounced landing resulting in abnormal runway contact and collapse of the nose landing gear.

Aug 22, 2013 Manassas, VA N740SP Incident substantial The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Aug 21, 2013 Indianapolis, IN N45EF Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate monitoring on the airplane's airspeed during the go-around, resulting in a stall.
Aug 18, 2013 Middletown, DE N647SP Incident substantial The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Aug 10, 2013 Prescott, AZ N544ER Incident substantial The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aug 03, 2013 Portsmouth, NH N645PD Incident substantial
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection resulting in his failure to remove the pin he used to lock the flight controls in place of the approved co…

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection resulting in his failure to remove the pin he used to lock the flight controls in place of the approved control lock.

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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