How many accidents has the Cessna 172 had?

The NTSB has recorded 6810 events involving the Cessna 172: 960 fatal, 542 serious, 1048 minor injuries, and 4223 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 172 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 172 has 6810 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 172 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 6810 events recorded from 1974 to 2026.

6810

All Events

4223

Incidents

1048

Minor

542

Serious

960

Fatal (1802 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Jun 29, 1996	CAMARILLO, CA	N9408L	Incident	substantial	the student pilot misjudged the landing flare resulting in a hard landing. A factor in the accident was high airspeed.
Jun 28, 1996	NEWRY, PA	N4776E	Incident	substantial	failure of the pilot to identify the inoperative airspeed indication and abort the takeoff, while there was sufficient runway remaining; excessive spe… failure of the pilot to identify the inoperative airspeed indication and abort the takeoff, while there was sufficient runway remaining; excessive speed during the approach/landing; and the pilot's failure to perform a go-around after not attaining a proper touchdown point during the landing. A factor relating to the accident was: the blocked pitot tube, which resulted in an inoperative airspeed indicator.
Jun 23, 1996	CONWAY, MI	N3823S	Incident	substantial	A crack in the intake manifold which led to oil exhaustion and subsequent piston failure. A factor was the soft field.
Jun 16, 1996	AVALON, CA	N6261D	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to initiate a landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and porpoise, and his loss of directional control during an attem… the pilot's failure to initiate a landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and porpoise, and his loss of directional control during an attempt to initiate a go-around with insufficient airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush and collision with parked aircraft. A visual illusion created by the runway gradient was a factor in this accident.
Jun 15, 1996	CROCKETT, TX	N8824Z	Incident	substantial	Loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s).
Jun 13, 1996	GARDNER, MA	N7373G	Incident	substantial	the pilot 's misjudgment of speed and distance during landing.
Jun 12, 1996	FARMINGTON, NM	N3535E	Incident	substantial	failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in a ground swerve and subsequent collision with a … failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in a ground swerve and subsequent collision with a parked airplane.
Jun 12, 1996	SEDONA, AZ	N12341	Incident	substantial	the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. The variable/gusty/quartering tail wind was a related factor.
Jun 09, 1996	PRESCOTT, AZ	N737WR	Incident	substantial	The failure of the pilot to adequately compensate for gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in loss of aircraft control.
Jun 08, 1996	SISTERS, OR	N7849G	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during a go-around, which resulted in his failure to maintain proper runway alignment. Factor… the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during a go-around, which resulted in his failure to maintain proper runway alignment. Factors relating to the accident were: the variable/gusty crosswind condition, and the proximity of the hanger and fence to the runway.
Jun 05, 1996	RAMONA, CA	N738PS	Incident	substantial	the pilot's misjudged and delayed landing flare, and inadequate recovery technique from a bounced landing (porpoise). Sun glare was a factor in the ac… the pilot's misjudged and delayed landing flare, and inadequate recovery technique from a bounced landing (porpoise). Sun glare was a factor in the accident.
Jun 01, 1996	BLAIRSTOWN, NJ	N8869U	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to improper compensation for wind conditions.
May 14, 1996	ENGLEWOOD, FL	N7284G	Incident	substantial	Failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain visual lookout while taxiing to takeoff resulting in an on-ground collision with a tree.
May 13, 1996	FINDLAY, OH	N73664	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's misjudged flare during landing.
May 08, 1996	LEADVILLE, CO	N79212	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions and to maintain directional control. Factors were: the gusting cross wind and th… the pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions and to maintain directional control. Factors were: the gusting cross wind and the pilot's lack of total experience in make and model of aircraft.
May 07, 1996	RENO, NV	N5394K	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to obtain and maintain flying speed and a proper glide path, which resulted in an inadvertent stall during a visual approach. An … the pilot's failure to obtain and maintain flying speed and a proper glide path, which resulted in an inadvertent stall during a visual approach. An increased altitude illusion created by rising terrain under the final approach course was a factor.
May 06, 1996	WINSTON-SALEM, NC	N97277	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper use of the elevator in response to a bounced landing.
May 04, 1996	MARANA, AZ	N8811B	Incident	substantial	the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing.
May 02, 1996	FAIRBANKS, AK	N3795L	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's premature flare and the flight instructor's failure to perform remedial action prior to the hard landing.
Apr 28, 1996	RUTLAND, VT	N98574	Incident	substantial	the pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing. A contributing factor was his lack of recent flight experience.
Apr 27, 1996	CULPEPER, VA	N7546G	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper compensation for the crosswind.
Apr 26, 1996	DENTON, TX	N5215K	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's delayed landing flare and his improper bounced landing recovery technique.
Apr 26, 1996	BROOMFIELD, CO	N75839	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to obtain/maintain directional control. A factor was the cross wind.
Apr 25, 1996	TERRE HAUTE, IN	N18HZ	Incident	substantial	the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his inadequate compensation (or inability to compensate) for the wind condition. The high/g… the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his inadequate compensation (or inability to compensate) for the wind condition. The high/gusty wind condition was a related factor.
Apr 23, 1996	COLORADO SPGS, CO	N55126	Incident	substantial	the student pilot'S failure to maintain control of the aircraft during a go-around.

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 172 Safety Record

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