How many accidents has the Cessna 320 had?

The NTSB has recorded 89 events involving the Cessna 320: 34 fatal, 7 serious, 7 minor injuries, and 41 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 320 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 320 has 89 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 320 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 89 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (81 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Feb 09, 2026	Bartow, FL	N3034T	Incident	—	Investigation pending
Jun 21, 2011	Phoenix, AZ	N6160Q	Incident	substantial	The mechanic's failure to properly secure the nose landing gear actuator push-pull tube to the landing gear door hinge clevis, which resulted in the g… The mechanic's failure to properly secure the nose landing gear actuator push-pull tube to the landing gear door hinge clevis, which resulted in the gear jamming and not fully retracting after takeoff.
Sep 18, 2010	Denton, TX	N56VP	Incident	substantial	The failure of the landing gear push-pull rod.
Apr 13, 2007	McKinney, TX	N3022T	Incident	substantial	The collapsed of the right main landing gear as result of the failure of the over center down lock.
Apr 01, 2007	Stockton, CA	N3424Q	Incident	substantial	The landing gear collapsed during taxi as a result of incorrect rigging of the landing gear by other maintenance personnel that prevented the landing … The landing gear collapsed during taxi as a result of incorrect rigging of the landing gear by other maintenance personnel that prevented the landing gear downlock from functioning as designed.
May 14, 2006	Long Beach, CA	N5799X	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain lateral control of the airplane during takeoff.
May 30, 2003	McCarthy, AK	N5712X	Incident	substantial	The collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing roll for undetermined reasons.
Sep 26, 2002	GATESVILLE, TX	N382MR	Incident	substantial	The loss of engine power to the left engine for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the rough and uneven terrain.
Nov 30, 2000	ENGLEWOOD, CO	N3043T	Incident	substantial	the failure of the nose landing gear to fully extend due to a bent extension rod.
Mar 16, 1999	BROOMFIELD, CO	N4127T	Incident	substantial	A partial loss of power on the left engine for undetermined reasons. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft… A partial loss of power on the left engine for undetermined reasons. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing flare/touchdown.
May 27, 1998	ROCKPORT, TX	N986J	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go around which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors were the pilot's lack of experience in th… The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go around which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors were the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model aircraft, his failure to follow the before landing checklist, and his improper use of the powerplant controls.
May 01, 1998	GREYBULL, WY	N3316Q	Incident	substantial	Stress overload failure of the bellcrank assembly of the left landing gear.
Feb 27, 1998	LINCOLN, ME	N6189Q	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude which resulted in left main landing gear contacting a snowbank during the landing approach.
Oct 18, 1996	LONGMONT, CO	N430N	Incident	substantial	The partial failure of the fuel control servo, causing an excessive flow/output of fuel to, and flooding of, the right engine.
Apr 28, 1996	MAMMOTH LAKES, CA	N5752X	Incident	substantial	the partial failure of the right engine turbocharger wastegate butterfly valve to fully close due to mechanical binding and the low setting of its ass… the partial failure of the right engine turbocharger wastegate butterfly valve to fully close due to mechanical binding and the low setting of its associated absolute pressure controller. A related factor was the high density altitude which reduced the engine's ability to produce adequate manifold pressure.
Oct 30, 1993	SPIRIT LAKE, ID	N3057T	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS A FACTOR.
May 28, 1993	ANCHORAGE, AK	N4198T	Incident	substantial	AN UNDETERMINED FAILURE THAT RESULTED IN AN OVERVOLTAGE CONDITION OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, OVERHEATING OF THE BATTERY, OVERDRIVE (OVERTORQUE) OF THE … AN UNDETERMINED FAILURE THAT RESULTED IN AN OVERVOLTAGE CONDITION OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, OVERHEATING OF THE BATTERY, OVERDRIVE (OVERTORQUE) OF THE LANDING GEAR EXTENSION SYSTEM, A DISCONNECT OF THE EMERGENCY EXTENSION SYSTEM, AND A SUSBSEQUENT COLLAPSE OF THE MAIN GEAR WHEN IT COULD NOT BE LOCKED IN THE EXTENDED POSITION.
Apr 21, 1993	NO. LITTLE ROCK, AR	N3057T	Incident	substantial	THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO FOLLOW THE CHECKLIST. A FACTOR WAS THE POPPED CIRCUIT BREAKER
Apr 17, 1993	MESA, AZ	N5711X	Incident	substantial	the separation of the steering spring from the steering yoke assembly due to inadequate installation. A factor in the accident was inadequate mainten… the separation of the steering spring from the steering yoke assembly due to inadequate installation. A factor in the accident was inadequate maintenance on the aircraft.
Sep 24, 1992	LOWELL, ID	N9811L	Incident	destroyed	RAM INDUCTION AIR STARVATION OF BOTH ENGINES AND INABILITY OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO CLEAR TREES DURING THE FORCED LANDING. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO T… RAM INDUCTION AIR STARVATION OF BOTH ENGINES AND INABILITY OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO CLEAR TREES DURING THE FORCED LANDING. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE LOW CEILINGS AND TREES.
Sep 14, 1992	DARLINGTON, SC	N5754X	Incident	substantial	THE IMPROPER SERVICING OF THE AIRPLANE WITH CONTAMINATED FUEL BY THE OWNER PILOT.
Aug 09, 1992	NOVATO, CA	N3014R	Incident	substantial	THE LOCKED LEFT BRAKE ASSEMBLY DUE TO THE MISSING BRAKE RETAINING CLIPS.
Jun 18, 1992	AZTEC, NM	N3307Q	Incident	substantial	FAILURE OF THE RIGHT PROPELLER TO FEATHER AND INOPERATIVE GEAR RETRACTION SYSTEM. FACTORS WERE THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE POWER LOSS DUE TO CON… FAILURE OF THE RIGHT PROPELLER TO FEATHER AND INOPERATIVE GEAR RETRACTION SYSTEM. FACTORS WERE THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE POWER LOSS DUE TO CONNECTING ROD FAILURE.
Jul 08, 1991	RENO, NV	N3011T	Incident	substantial	THE FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER FEATHERING COUNTER WEIGHT CLAMP ASSEMBLY.
Jun 08, 1991	WASHINGTON, IN	N6158Q	Incident	substantial	EXCEEDING THE AIRCRAFT'S PROPER DESCENT RATE BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE INOPERATIVE RUNWAY EDGE LIGHTS, PROPER ALIG… EXCEEDING THE AIRCRAFT'S PROPER DESCENT RATE BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE INOPERATIVE RUNWAY EDGE LIGHTS, PROPER ALIGNMENT NOT ATTAINED, IMPROPERLY PLANNED APPROACH, AND INADEQUATE FACILITY MAINTENANCE.

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 320 Safety Record

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