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
Oct 18, 2001 Ashland, VA N4834G Serious The line technician's inadvertent contact with the propeller during a hand-propped engine start.
Oct 18, 2001 South Hero, VT N8255B Fatal (3) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and the airplane's high gross weight co…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and the airplane's high gross weight condition.

Oct 17, 2001 Northampton, MA N811P Incident substantial The pilots' failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a loss of control and a hard landing.
Oct 15, 2001 Knoxville, TN N52685 Incident substantial
The pilot's inattentive preflight inspection, non-compliance with the prestart checklist, decision to leave the cockpit unattended with engine running…

The pilot's inattentive preflight inspection, non-compliance with the prestart checklist, decision to leave the cockpit unattended with engine running, and his inadvertent deactivation of the parking brake as he exited to remove a wheel chock, resulting in non-piloted taxi from the aircraft's starting point and collision with an airport terminal structure.

Oct 12, 2001 Perkasie, PA N5385J Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was the sun glare.
Oct 08, 2001 Colo Springs, CO N2364E Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's excessive airspeed on final approach.
Oct 06, 2001 Beaver Island, MI N73630 Incident substantial The pilot not maintaining directional control of the airplane during landing. The gusty crosswind and the berm were factors.
Oct 04, 2001 White Stone, VA N80562 Minor substantial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Oct 04, 2001 Phillips, ME N7591X Serious (1) substantial Loss of engine power due to a blockage of the left fuel tank vent line with mud, and the subsequent inadvertent stall.
Oct 03, 2001 Decatur Island, WA N733SW Fatal (3) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a low altitude turn, resulting in a stall. The pilot exceeding the aircraft's maximum gross takeoff w…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a low altitude turn, resulting in a stall. The pilot exceeding the aircraft's maximum gross takeoff weight was a factor.

Oct 01, 2001 Lindsay, MT N3910F Serious (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain an altitude clear of terrain. A factor was intentional low altitude flight.
Oct 01, 2001 Wauchula, FL N851CP Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft while attempting to take off after executing a touch-and-go landing, in gusty wind…

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft while attempting to take off after executing a touch-and-go landing, in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a ground swerve, and the aircraft exiting the runway, and incurring substantial damage when it collided with a ditch.

Sep 30, 2001 Newberg, OR N6515R Incident substantial The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear. A factor was the pilot's failure to follow checklist procedures.
Sep 27, 2001 Englewood, CO N9320D Incident substantial
the failure of the dual student to verify that the landing gear was down and locked, and the failure of the flight instructor to adequately supervise …

the failure of the dual student to verify that the landing gear was down and locked, and the failure of the flight instructor to adequately supervise the dual student.

Sep 22, 2001 Skull Valley, AZ N5792A Minor substantial
the loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the ensuing emergency la…

the loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the ensuing emergency landing.

Sep 17, 2001 Orlando, FL N158RA Incident substantial
The improper installation of the engine vacuum pump by maintenance personnel which resulted in oil exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power.…

The improper installation of the engine vacuum pump by maintenance personnel which resulted in oil exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the none-suitable terrain.

Sep 16, 2001 Tucson, AZ N4312Q Fatal (1) destroyed the pilot's controlled descent into a residence for undetermined reasons.
Sep 14, 2001 Sarasota, FL N19SC Incident substantial
The pilot's improper in-flight decision to land at an airport with high wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control on the ground during taxi…

The pilot's improper in-flight decision to land at an airport with high wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control on the ground during taxi operations and subsequent nose over of the airplane.

Sep 08, 2001 Orlando, FL N859CP Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to keep a proper visual lookout and ensure proper clearance during taxi operations, which resulted in a collision with another par…

the pilot's failure to keep a proper visual lookout and ensure proper clearance during taxi operations, which resulted in a collision with another parked aircraft.

Sep 08, 2001 Seattle, WA N20675 Incident substantial Pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout during taxi. A fence was a factor.
Sep 08, 2001 Pasco, WA N426SK Incident substantial
The DHC-8 maintenance crew's failure to maintain radio contact with the tower during its engine run. Factors included the tower controller not issuin…

The DHC-8 maintenance crew's failure to maintain radio contact with the tower during its engine run. Factors included the tower controller not issuing a safety advisory on the DHC-8 engine run to the accident pilot as recommended by FAA guidance, and the FAA's failure to make information on jet blast/prop blast hazards available to controllers.

Sep 05, 2001 Carbonado, WA N44EF Minor substantial
The pilot-in-command's failure to utilize carburetor heat resulting in a loss of power and consequent descent into trees and terrain. Contributing fa…

The pilot-in-command's failure to utilize carburetor heat resulting in a loss of power and consequent descent into trees and terrain. Contributing factors were carburetor icing conditions and mountainous/hilly terrain.

Sep 02, 2001 Augusta, ME N65057 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain the proper distance from a sign post during taxi.
Sep 01, 2001 Sheldon, IA N5593E Minor substantial
the in-flight planning/decision and proper touchdown point not attained by the pilot. Contributing factors were the ingested exhaust valve and lack o…

the in-flight planning/decision and proper touchdown point not attained by the pilot. Contributing factors were the ingested exhaust valve and lack of experience of the pilot.

Aug 27, 2001 Matawan, NJ N629PD Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the initial climb. Factors were the pilot's failure to perform a go-around, the pilot's lack …

The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the initial climb. Factors were the pilot's failure to perform a go-around, the pilot's lack of flight experience in nighttime conditions, the nighttime conditions, and a tailwind.

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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