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
May 08, 2002 Green Valley, AZ N754LT Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to identify the wind direction, which led to an attempted downwind landing approach that resulted in a hard landing and severe bou…

The pilot's failure to identify the wind direction, which led to an attempted downwind landing approach that resulted in a hard landing and severe bounce. Also causal was the pilot's failure to promptly retract the flaps during the rejected landing after touchdown, which led to a stall/mush condition during the takeoff initial climb and a resultant collision with terrain. Factors in the accident were the high density altitude and the prevailing tailwind condition.

May 07, 2002 MAMAYAC, EC HC-CBV Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
May 03, 2002 Redfield, SD N6422E Incident substantial the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control while taxing to takeoff in high and gusty wind conditions.
Apr 28, 2002 Daytona Beach, FL N786SP Incident substantial the pilot misjudged the landing flare, resulting in a hard landing, and damage to the airplane.
Apr 24, 2002 Alamogordo, NM N6288R Incident substantial the loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing after takeoff.
Apr 23, 2002 Marthasville, MO N5388R Fatal (1) destroyed The inadequate supervision and the stall encountered by the certified flight instructor.
Apr 21, 2002 Ehrhardt, SC N2815L Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to attain proper touchdown point while landing on a wet grass runway, resulting in the airplane departing the runway and impactin…

the pilot's failure to attain proper touchdown point while landing on a wet grass runway, resulting in the airplane departing the runway and impacting with trees.

Apr 17, 2002 Pico, Duarte, DR HI-375 Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Apr 15, 2002 Lake Los Angele, CA N211CA Minor substantial a reconditioned engine cylinder barrel failure due to previous rust damage and improper maintenance practices.
Apr 13, 2002 Smithfield, NC N8458U Serious (1) substantial The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning that resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power.
Apr 13, 2002 McKinney, TX N58AF Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while taxiing from landing.
Apr 12, 2002 Longview, TX N61LU Incident substantial The in-flight collision with a bird.
Apr 10, 2002 Angel Fire, NM N960TA Incident substantial The pilots failure to maintain directional control during the crosswind landing. A contributing factor was the gusting wind condition.
Apr 10, 2002 Appleton, WI N733PX Incident substantial The pilots failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll resulting in the subsequent impact with terrain.
Apr 09, 2002 Council Bluffs, IA N53066 Minor substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane and the subsequent inadvertent stall. A factor associated with the accident was the s…

The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane and the subsequent inadvertent stall. A factor associated with the accident was the student's lack of total experience.

Apr 08, 2002 McKinney, TX N99341 Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to properly recover from a bounced landing which resulted in the airplane porpoising. A contributing factor was the stude…

the student pilot's failure to properly recover from a bounced landing which resulted in the airplane porpoising. A contributing factor was the student pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in a bounced landing.

Apr 05, 2002 Phoenix, AZ N3512T Incident substantial
the pilot flaring the airplane too high above the runway causing a stall and resulting in the hard landing. Factors relating to the accident were the…

the pilot flaring the airplane too high above the runway causing a stall and resulting in the hard landing. Factors relating to the accident were the light conditions (dusk) and the pilot's lack of total experience in the type of airplane.

Apr 04, 2002 Pensacola, FL N64079 Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accid…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to land with a tailwind.

Apr 03, 2002 PALM SPRINGS, CA N627SP Incident substantial The pilot lost directional control and collided with a runway edge light and taxiway sign.
Mar 25, 2002 Camarillo, CA N2630U Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Mar 24, 2002 Avalon, CA N61737 Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate bounced landing recovery technique, which resulted in an inadvertent porpoise.
Mar 24, 2002 OCEAN CITY, NJ N9847L Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control.
Mar 16, 2002 Fruitland, UT N66076 Serious (2) destroyed
the pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat. Contributing factors included carburetor icing conditions, the unavailability of suitable terrain on whi…

the pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat. Contributing factors included carburetor icing conditions, the unavailability of suitable terrain on which to make a forced landing, and night conditions.

Mar 16, 2002 Ocean City, MD N96811 Fatal (4) destroyed
The pilot's spatial disorientation, which resulted in his subsequent loss of control of the airplane. A factor was the dark night, over water visual …

The pilot's spatial disorientation, which resulted in his subsequent loss of control of the airplane. A factor was the dark night, over water visual conditions.

Mar 10, 2002 Tucson, AZ N4410R Incident substantial the pilot's misjudged landing flare and improper bounced landing recovery.
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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