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
Sep 06, 2002 Immokalee, FL N827SP Incident substantial
The student pilot's improper flare at touchdown resulted in a hard landing while performing an off-airport precautionary landing after the inadvertent…

The student pilot's improper flare at touchdown resulted in a hard landing while performing an off-airport precautionary landing after the inadvertent activation of the autopilot.

Sep 02, 2002 Tucson, AZ N404SW Incident substantial
the certified flight instructor's failure to maintain an adequate distance from a jet during taxi. A factor was the local/ground controller's failure…

the certified flight instructor's failure to maintain an adequate distance from a jet during taxi. A factor was the local/ground controller's failure to issue a safety alert or cautionary advisory to the pilot with regards to the jet blast of the departing Boeing 737.

Aug 31, 2002 W. Yellowstone, MT N6830A Incident substantial The pilot's compensation for the wind conditions was inadequate during the landing roll. A quartering tailwind was a factor.
Aug 31, 2002 Lakeside, CA N739ZV Incident substantial
The failure of the engine to respond for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the student's decision to continue the simulated emergency maneuver to…

The failure of the engine to respond for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the student's decision to continue the simulated emergency maneuver to an altitude that was insufficient to allow for contingency options. The unsuitable nature of the terrain selected for the landing terrain was a factor in the accident.

Aug 27, 2002 Fairbanks, AK N3752F Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane exiting the runway and colliding with obje…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane exiting the runway and colliding with objects. Factors contributing to the accident were the rough and uneven runway, and the premature lift-off of the airplane.

Aug 25, 2002 Pinehurst, NC N4859F Incident substantial The student pilot's improper recovery from bounced landing which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.
Aug 25, 2002 Tarboro, NC N2291E Incident substantial
The failure of the solo student to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll/run which resulted in the airplane veering off…

The failure of the solo student to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll/run which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and impacting trees, incurring substantial damage.

Aug 23, 2002 Mesa, AZ N4796E Incident destroyed An electrical fire of unknown origin centered near the circuit breaker/throttle area of the instrument panel.
Aug 19, 2002 STANARDSVILLE, VA N738JR Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance while descending over mountainous terrain. A factor was the night lighting conditions.
Aug 19, 2002 Buffalo City, WI N381J Incident substantial
The malfunction of the seat positioning system for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control. A factor to the accident …

The malfunction of the seat positioning system for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control. A factor to the accident was the descending embankment.

Aug 17, 2002 Plainville, CT N35073 Fatal (2) destroyed
An in-flight engine compartment fire of unknown origin, and a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Also causal, was the pilot's failure to …

An in-flight engine compartment fire of unknown origin, and a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Also causal, was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a turn back to the airfield, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with the ground.

Aug 14, 2002 Sangerville, ME N56BC Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
Aug 14, 2002 Shell Lake, WI N4731D Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to departure leading to fuel exhaustion during the flight, the inadequate preflight/inflight plannin…

The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to departure leading to fuel exhaustion during the flight, the inadequate preflight/inflight planning, and the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot during the forced landing attempt. Contributing factors were the pilot being fatigued, the night lighting condition, and the corn crop.

Aug 12, 2002 Tinaquillo, VE YV1856P Serious (1) substantial Investigation pending
Aug 12, 2002 Rochester, NY N888RG Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing. A factor in the accident was the slow response time of the airspeed indicator.
Aug 11, 2002 West Milford, NJ N6257R Serious (2) substantial The private pilot's excessive rotation and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
Aug 09, 2002 Enterprise, AL N73461 Incident substantial The pilot's delayed flare on landing that resulted in a hard landing.
Aug 07, 2002 MOUNT POCONO, PA N1727V Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aug 05, 2002 Williamsport, PA N739GV Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a building while taxiing.
Aug 05, 2002 Dahlonega, GA N8954V Incident substantial
The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control resulting in the airplane going off the left side of …

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control resulting in the airplane going off the left side of the runway and colliding with a ditch.

Aug 04, 2002 Marietta, OK N431ME Serious (3) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall.
Aug 04, 2002 Englewood, CO N238SP Incident substantial the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight and his premature raising of the flaps, resulting in a hard landing.
Aug 04, 2002 Sidney, NE N739VN Incident substantial The pilot not maintaining sufficient airspeed during the takeoff, and the inadvertent stall encountered by the pilot. The low altitude was a factor.
Aug 01, 2002 Patuxent River, MD N1177M Serious (1) substantial The pilot's inadequate fuel calculations, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power.
Jul 31, 2002 Fort Collins, CO N5088K Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and subsequent inadvertent stall/mush into terrain during a soft field take off. Contributin…

the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and subsequent inadvertent stall/mush into terrain during a soft field take off. Contributing factors include the pilot's lack of experience and the high density altitude conditions.

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.
← Cessna 172 For Sale All Cessna Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data
View 494 Cessna 172 for sale ↓