How many accidents has the Waco UPF-7 had?

The NTSB has recorded 45 events involving the Waco UPF-7: 3 fatal, 3 serious, 15 minor injuries, and 24 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Waco UPF-7 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Waco UPF-7 has 45 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Waco UPF-7 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 45 events recorded from 1982 to 2024.

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (4 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Feb 24, 2024	Atlanta, GA	N30169	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing in gusting crosswind conditions.
Aug 20, 2023	Warrenton, VA	N39721	Incident	substantial	A ground loop during landing resulting from a partial separation of the right main landing gear strut during takeoff.
Aug 27, 2012	Jim Falls, WI	N32011	Incident	substantial	The blockage of the right fuel tank vent, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Jun 19, 2007	Reno, NV	N32035	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Oct 01, 2002	Owatonna, MN	N32039	Incident	substantial	The remedial action not performed by the certified flight instructor (CFI) during the bounced landing and directional control not maintained during th… The remedial action not performed by the certified flight instructor (CFI) during the bounced landing and directional control not maintained during the go-around by CFI. Contributing factors were the CFIs preflight planning/preparation in placing the dual student in the rear seat, the limited ability for visual detection from the rear seat, and the lack of instructional experience of the CFI in the make and model of the accident airplane. The gusts and crosswind were additional factors.
Jul 12, 1997	SPRINGFIELD, IL	N30136	Incident	substantial	failure of the pilot to maintain safe altitude/clearance from the terrain. Factors relating to this accident were: the hazy weather condition, the re… failure of the pilot to maintain safe altitude/clearance from the terrain. Factors relating to this accident were: the hazy weather condition, the resultant difficulty in keeping the other airplane in sight, and the pilot's diverted attention, while looking for the other airplane during the airshow routine.
Jan 14, 1997	SANIBEL, FL	N29986	Incident	substantial	A partial loss of engine power (rough running engine) for undetermined reason.
Sep 29, 1995	STATEN ISLAND, NY	N167K	Incident	substantial	Failure of the propeller blade due to fatigue, which resulted in severe vibration, subsequent separation of the engine, and a forced landing.
Apr 22, 1995	CHINO, CA	N20971	Incident	substantial	failure of the attachment link for the master cylinder return spring, which allowed the left brake to lock.
Aug 05, 1991	MANNING, SC	N29926	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, AND HIS FAILURE TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF IN A TIMELY MANNER ONCE THE AIRPLANE… THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, AND HIS FAILURE TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF IN A TIMELY MANNER ONCE THE AIRPLANE HAD DEPARTED THE RUNWAY SURFACE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO UTILIZE THE ENTIRE AVAILABLE RUNWAY FOR TAKEOFF.
May 15, 1991	KEY WEST, FL	N32133	Incident	substantial	A MOMENTARY LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Oct 09, 1990	ERWINNA, PA	N32091	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKE OFF ROLL.
Nov 26, 1989	KEY WEST, FL	N32133	Incident	—	THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ADEQUATELY WATCH FOR PARKED AIRCRAFT AFTER BECOMING DISTRACTED.
Aug 02, 1989	PLYMOUTH, NH	N39752	Incident	substantial	LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING AN ABORTED TAKEOFF. THE DITCH WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
Jun 06, 1989	CREVE COEUR, MO	N29309	Incident	substantial	IMPROPER USE OF THE CARBURETOR HEAT BY THE PILOT AND CARBURETOR ICE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS, HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS AND TER… IMPROPER USE OF THE CARBURETOR HEAT BY THE PILOT AND CARBURETOR ICE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS, HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS AND TERRAIN CONDITIONS (CORN CROP).
Mar 21, 1989	MARATHON, FL	N39752	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND INADVERTENTLY ALLOWED IT TO GROUND LOOP. CROSSWIND WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.
Jul 21, 1988	GREENLAND, NH	N20973	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jul 09, 1988	PLYMOUTH, NH	N32126	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jul 06, 1988	KEY WEST, FL	N32133	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jun 30, 1984	HAMILTON, OH	N39717	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jun 23, 1984	ORANGE, MA	N32127	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Aug 05, 1983	NEW LEXINGTON, OH	N29957	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Oct 03, 1982	ALBUQUERQUE, NM	N30136	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jul 04, 1982	POPULAR GROVE, IL	N39714	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending

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.

← Waco UPF-7 For Sale All Waco Models

Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data

Looking to buy a Waco UPF-7? View 3 Waco UPF-7 for sale ↓

Waco UPF-7 Safety Record

Report an Issue