Cessna Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 28016 events recorded from 1974 to 2026.

28016

All Events

16766

Incidents

4073

Minor

2284

Serious

4716

Fatal (9541 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Apr 03, 1997 GRAND CANYON, AZ N6172C Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation and his lack of proficiency in conducting instrument flight. Contribut…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation and his lack of proficiency in conducting instrument flight. Contributing were the inoperative alternator, cockpit lighting, and vacuum system.

Apr 02, 1997 WAYNESBORO, GA N53212 Fatal (1) destroyed The failure of the right wing after the pilot exceeded the design stress limit of the airplane, leading to a loss of control in flight.
Apr 01, 1997 HICKORY, PA N2685S Fatal (1) destroyed Servicing of the pilots portable oxygen system with compressed air, which resulted in pilot incapacitation due to Hypoxia.
Mar 31, 1997 CORONA, CA N3894P Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a nighttime flight at low altitude through a mountainous area. Factors in the accid…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a nighttime flight at low altitude through a mountainous area. Factors in the accident were the conditions of low clouds and dark light conditions.

Mar 29, 1997 BIG LAKE, MN N77166 Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot's maneuvers which exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane and resulted in structural overload of the horizontal tail followed by a…

The pilot's maneuvers which exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane and resulted in structural overload of the horizontal tail followed by a structural overload of the wings.

Mar 26, 1997 BURLINGTON, WY N97527 Fatal (1) destroyed loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.
Mar 25, 1997 NUNAPITCHUK, AK N800GA Fatal (2) destroyed inadequate visual look-out by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in their failure to see-and-avoid each other's airplanes.
Mar 23, 1997 DILLON, MT N22219 Fatal (4) destroyed
flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintaint altitude/clearance from terrain. The adverse weather condition was …

flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintaint altitude/clearance from terrain. The adverse weather condition was a related factor.

Mar 20, 1997 LEAGUE CITY, TX N4050L Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane which resulted in the loss of power to the right engine due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to …

The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane which resulted in the loss of power to the right engine due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the single engine landing approach which resulted in a stall/spin.

Mar 06, 1997 MERIDIANVILLE, AL N2142S Fatal (3) destroyed the pilot's improper decision to takeoff downwind which resulted in his failure to maintain control of the airplane. The winds were a factor.
Mar 03, 1997 CARACAS, VE YV784 Fatal (6) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 28, 1997 PLAQUEMINE, LA N49205 Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance from transmission wires. Factors were, the dark night, low cloud ceiling, and fog.
Feb 20, 1997 CHICAGO, IL N7134J Fatal (2) destroyed Undetermined.
Feb 11, 1997 CHALLAO, AR N470E Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 08, 1997 ST. THOMAS, N318AB Fatal (2) destroyed
The failure of the pilot to maintain altitude while making a visual approach at night over water in black hole conditions resulting in the aircraft de…

The failure of the pilot to maintain altitude while making a visual approach at night over water in black hole conditions resulting in the aircraft descending and crashing into the sea. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and operator to use all available air traffic control and navigational facilities, and the FAA Principle Operations Inspector's inadequate surveillance of the operation.

Feb 07, 1997 LARCHWOOD, IA N714EE Fatal (1) destroyed the noninstrument-rated pilot's takeoff into instrument meteorological conditions. The weather was a factor.
Feb 01, 1997 TRINITY, AL N50TB Fatal (2) destroyed
failure of the pilot to maintain flying airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with a tree, u…

failure of the pilot to maintain flying airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with a tree, utility line, and the ground.

Jan 31, 1997 GUTHRIE, OK N5366B Fatal (2) destroyed
The flight instructor's failure to obtain/maintain clearance with the power line. A factor was the sunglare from the setting sun, which could have im…

The flight instructor's failure to obtain/maintain clearance with the power line. A factor was the sunglare from the setting sun, which could have impaired the flight instructor's ability to see the power line.

Jan 25, 1997 CONRAD, PA N8835U Fatal (1) destroyed
VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and spatial disorientation of the pilot, which led to loss of aircraft contro…

VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and spatial disorientation of the pilot, which led to loss of aircraft control, an uncontrolled descent, and subsequent collision with wooded terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, the pilot's lack of instrument experience, and the wooded, mountainous/hilly terrain.

Jan 22, 1997 BAGDAD, AZ N736WZ Fatal (1) destroyed
continued flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from terrain. Factors rel…

continued flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the high/mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions.

Jan 21, 1997 HIGHLAND, MI N29WW Fatal (2) destroyed in-flight breakup of the airplane for undetermined reason(s).
Jan 12, 1997 COLLEGEVILLE, PA N10809 Fatal (2) destroyed
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in …

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in a stall and collision with the ground. A contributing factor was wind gusts.

Jan 02, 1997 EDENTON, NC N802TH Fatal (2) destroyed the pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors in this accident were: fog, the low ceiling, and the dark night.
Jan 02, 1997 CAMBRIDGE, ID N6425W Fatal (5) destroyed the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Flight into adverse weather and turbulence were factors.
Jan 01, 1997 BITTINGER, MD N8925S Fatal (1) destroyed
VFR flight by the noninstrumented-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which lead to spatial disorientation of the pilot, his …

VFR flight by the noninstrumented-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which lead to spatial disorientation of the pilot, his loss of aircraft control, and an uncontrolled collision with the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.

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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