Cessna 177 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 766 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

766

All Events

399

Incidents

139

Minor

84

Serious

141

Fatal (281 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jul 08, 2025 Jenison, MI N29342 Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control and clearance from trees during takeoff.
Jun 27, 2025 Kelleys Island, OH N30743 Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off in gusting crosswind conditions.
May 31, 2025 Columbus, MS N177LS Minor substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaust…

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent landing on rough terrain.

Sep 22, 2024 Redlands, CA N177SX Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during final approach, which resulted in a collision with rocky terrain.
Sep 01, 2024 Shell Knob, MO N30853 Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control and airspeed during final approach, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack …

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control and airspeed during final approach, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.

Dec 26, 2022 Franklin, VA N177D Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the initial climb following an aborted precautionary landing. Contributing to the outcome …

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the initial climb following an aborted precautionary landing. Contributing to the outcome were the inoperative runway lights, which reduced the likelihood that the pilot could successfully land the airplane on the runway at night.

Nov 27, 2022 Willow Spring, AZ N2994X Minor substantial The airplane’s loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Apr 02, 2022 Gaithersburg, MD N123LS Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering on final approach which resulted in a high sink rate and subsequent collision with…

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering on final approach which resulted in a high sink rate and subsequent collision with a fence.

Apr 29, 2020 Lodi, CA N3386T Minor substantial The fatigue failure of the no. 4 cylinder connecting rod, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Jul 27, 2019 Fall City, WA N1828Q Minor substantial The failure of the No. 3 cylinder intake valve that resulted in a partial loss of engine power and a forced landing on uneven terrain.
Jul 14, 2019 Elkhart, IN N29516 Minor substantial
An inadvertent engine start of the airplane and subsequent takeoff without the pilot on-board for reasons that could not be determined based on availa…

An inadvertent engine start of the airplane and subsequent takeoff without the pilot on-board for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

Mar 09, 2019 Land O' Lakes, WI N52047 Minor substantial The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
Jul 28, 2018 San Diego/El Cajon, CA N3477T Minor substantial
The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in his exceedance of the airplane's maximum gross weight, which lead to the airplane's poor …

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in his exceedance of the airplane's maximum gross weight, which lead to the airplane's poor climb performance, and a subsequent loss of control and impact with terrain.

Mar 15, 2018 Key West, FL N713CX Minor substantial
A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the wreckage did not reveal any ev…

A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Dec 19, 2017 Ridgeland, SC N3179T Minor substantial
The student pilot’s improper control inputs, which resulted in a loss of control on takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s …

The student pilot’s improper control inputs, which resulted in a loss of control on takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action.

Jul 07, 2017 Vacaville, CA N7532V Minor substantial
The total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed n…

The total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.

Jul 05, 2017 Wauseon, OH N3225T Minor substantial The flight instructor’s inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
May 26, 2017 Plainwell, MI N30462 Minor substantial The pilot's improper approach to landing and his failure to perform a go-around, which resulted in a runway overrun.
May 10, 2017 Frankston, TX N34207 Minor substantial
The pilot’s loss of runway visibility during landing in rain, which resulted in the pilot’s loss of situational awareness and subsequent loss of airpl…

The pilot’s loss of runway visibility during landing in rain, which resulted in the pilot’s loss of situational awareness and subsequent loss of airplane control.

Aug 08, 2016 McDonough, NY N30923 Minor destroyed
The pilot’s improper recovery from a slow flight configuration at low altitude, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of at…

The pilot’s improper recovery from a slow flight configuration at low altitude, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate at low altitude.

May 29, 2016 Pine Bluff, AR N29601 Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and her exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during a low-altitude turn, which resu…

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and her exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during a low-altitude turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Aug 05, 2014 Manistee, MI N468LE Minor substantial
The pilot receiving instruction's inability to respond to or compensate for the sudden change in wind direction and speed that the airplane encountere…

The pilot receiving instruction's inability to respond to or compensate for the sudden change in wind direction and speed that the airplane encountered shortly after liftoff, which resulted in a tailwind condition, a corresponding decrease in airspeed, and a reduced climb gradient.

Jun 06, 2014 Sauk Centre, MN N30537 Minor substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stal…

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to retract the flaps after beginning the go-around.

May 31, 2013 Herndon, VA N177FG Minor substantial The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
Feb 17, 2013 Elcho, WI N30227 Minor substantial The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight fuel management, which led to a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
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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