Cessna 172 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 6810 events recorded from 1974 to 2026.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 28, 2003 | Jacksonville, FL | N5602R | Incident | substantial |
a total loss of engine power due to the failure the oil filter because of over-pressurization, resulting in damage to the airplane during the subseque…a total loss of engine power due to the failure the oil filter because of over-pressurization, resulting in damage to the airplane during the subsequent forced landing. |
| Jan 25, 2003 | Kalaupapa, HI | N911FC | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
the student pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in his in-flight collision with mountainous terrain while maneuvering. A contribu…the student pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in his in-flight collision with mountainous terrain while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the low ceiling weather condition. |
| Jan 18, 2003 | Edgewater, FL | N65906 | Fatal (4) | destroyed |
The pilot's inflight loss of control and the pilot's failure to recover from the resultant dive for unknown reasons which resulted in flight beyond th…The pilot's inflight loss of control and the pilot's failure to recover from the resultant dive for unknown reasons which resulted in flight beyond the design stress limits of the airplane and subsequent in flight airframe breakup. |
| Jan 18, 2003 | CHESAPEAKE, VA | N6312E | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to adequately remove snow and ice from the airplane's wings prior to takeoff. |
| Jan 14, 2003 | Gig Harbor, WA | N1909V | Incident | substantial |
The loss of engine power in the climb due to the fracture of the number seven engine crankshaft cheek due to the propagation of a fatigue crack initia…The loss of engine power in the climb due to the fracture of the number seven engine crankshaft cheek due to the propagation of a fatigue crack initiation point. Factors include a vehicle pulling onto the road that the pilot selected for his forced emergency landing. |
| Jan 11, 2003 | Mt. Pleasant, SC | N5199H | Incident | substantial | The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain. |
| Jan 08, 2003 | Springdale, AR | N142ME | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. A contributing factor was the prevailing crosswind. |
| Dec 31, 2002 | Stuart, FL | N5338R | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's inflight encounter with wind shear on final approach, which resulted in an inflight loss of control and subequent uncontrolled descent int…The pilot's inflight encounter with wind shear on final approach, which resulted in an inflight loss of control and subequent uncontrolled descent into trees. |
| Dec 26, 2002 | Akron, OH | N782SP | Incident | substantial | The pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing. |
| Dec 24, 2002 | Tea, SD | N692SP | Incident | substantial | The student pilot's improper flare. The pilot's lack of experience and diverted attention were factors. |
| Dec 21, 2002 | Pacoima, CA | N733AM | Incident | substantial |
the student pilot's excessive use of the elevator control that resulted in an inadvertent lift-off and his failure to maintain/attain adequate airspee…the student pilot's excessive use of the elevator control that resulted in an inadvertent lift-off and his failure to maintain/attain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and hard landing. |
| Dec 06, 2002 | Moline, IL | N80213 | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance during a base to final turn on approach. Contributing factors to the accident were the night condi…The pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance during a base to final turn on approach. Contributing factors to the accident were the night conditions and the trees. |
| Dec 06, 2002 | Cartersville, GA | N5891E | Incident | substantial | The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control, during the landing roll resulted in the on ground collision with a ravine. |
| Dec 04, 2002 | Leeds, MA | N2706L | Minor | substantial | The flight instructor's failure to ensure adequate fuel onboard, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power. |
| Dec 04, 2002 | Holland, MI | N5321D | Incident | substantial |
The student pilot failed to maintain directional control during landing roll. Additional factors include the student pilot's lack of total flight exp…The student pilot failed to maintain directional control during landing roll. Additional factors include the student pilot's lack of total flight experience, the CFI's inadequate supervision, and the ice and snow on the runway. |
| Dec 03, 2002 | Vici, OK | N4470R | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's departure and continued flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the icing conditions, and the lack of suitable …The pilot's departure and continued flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the icing conditions, and the lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary landing. |
| Nov 29, 2002 | Lindsay, OK | N5155E | Fatal (1) | destroyed | The in-flight separation of the right wing due to the missing nut that secures the right wing's strut to fuselage fitting to the fuselage. |
| Nov 28, 2002 | Hollister, CA | N2423E | Incident | substantial | the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. |
| Nov 26, 2002 | Malaga, WA | N65564 | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
The pilot's attempted VFR flight into IMC resulting in the aircraft colliding with trees and up sloping terrain. Contributing factors were clouds, tr…The pilot's attempted VFR flight into IMC resulting in the aircraft colliding with trees and up sloping terrain. Contributing factors were clouds, trees, and uphill terrain. The pilot’s performance and judgment were likely impaired by the effects of diphenhydramine and possibly by the effects of doxylamine. |
| Nov 23, 2002 | Prestonsburg, KY | N7192G | Incident | substantial | The loss of oil pressure for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a failure of connecting rod end bolts, due to an over temperature condition. |
| Nov 23, 2002 | Stow, MA | N1152F | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance. A factor in this accident was gusty wind conditions. |
| Nov 16, 2002 | Rosamond, CA | N548RM | Incident | substantial |
The fatigue failure of left main landing gear strut at the upper fuselage aft attachment hole, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing…The fatigue failure of left main landing gear strut at the upper fuselage aft attachment hole, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing roll. |
| Nov 09, 2002 | ANCHORAGE, AK | N80948 | Minor | substantial | The pilot's failure to adequately remove frost/ice from the airplane which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush during the takeoff/initial climb. |
| Nov 05, 2002 | Mesquite, NV | N13265 | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. A contributing factor was the ditch. |
| Nov 01, 2002 | FORT STOCKTON, TX | N6072R | Minor | substantial |
The pilot's decision to conduct VFR flight into IMC and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the dark night, clouds, …The pilot's decision to conduct VFR flight into IMC and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the dark night, clouds, fog, and the lack of suitable terrain. |