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
Nov 20, 1999 DAYTONA BEACH, FL N475ER Incident substantial Was the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing resulting in a hard landing and damage to the aircraft.
Nov 15, 1999 HOPEDALE, MA N738NL Incident substantial was the student pilot's improper flare that resulted in a bounced landing and the flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action.
Nov 12, 1999 RAWLINS, WY N5225D Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning preparation which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Factors in the accident were the unsuitable terrain on which…

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning preparation which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Factors in the accident were the unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing and the pilot's lack of experience in aircraft type.

Nov 12, 1999 LOGAN, UT N427ES Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Nov 02, 1999 CHANDLER, AZ N98909 Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged landing flare and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed margin, which resulted in a stall/mush and hard landing.
Nov 01, 1999 BEAUMONT, TX N7833X Incident substantial
Fuel exhaustion as a result of the flight instructor's failure to refuel the airplane. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landi…

Fuel exhaustion as a result of the flight instructor's failure to refuel the airplane. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Oct 29, 1999 PINEVILLE, LA N5301E Minor substantial The student pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed during approach resulting in his failure to attain the proper touchdown point.
Oct 28, 1999 MACKAY, ID N12376 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to land at the proper touchdown point. Factors include a wind gust, a grass runway, and a drop-off into rough terrain at the end o…

The pilot's failure to land at the proper touchdown point. Factors include a wind gust, a grass runway, and a drop-off into rough terrain at the end of the runway.

Oct 28, 1999 ITTA BENA, MS N1171F Incident substantial
a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons resulting in a forced landing that was short of the intended touchdown point, and the subsequent impac…

a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons resulting in a forced landing that was short of the intended touchdown point, and the subsequent impact with the ground.

Oct 27, 1999 WAUKON, IA N52569 Incident substantial
the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the aborted landing. Factors relating to the accident included the crosswinds…

the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the aborted landing. Factors relating to the accident included the crosswinds, the fence, and the trees.

Oct 27, 1999 ENGLEWOOD, CO N7906X Incident substantial
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing roll. Factors were the gusty crosswind and the runway l…

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing roll. Factors were the gusty crosswind and the runway light.

Oct 25, 1999 CRANDON, WI N4776E Incident substantial the deer that ran out onto the runway and collided with the airplane. A factor associated with the accident was the night lighting conditions.
Oct 23, 1999 WENATCHEE, WA N54844 Incident minor The failure of the pilots in both aircraft to maintain an adequate visual lookout. Haze was a factor.
Oct 23, 1999 ASPEN, CO N9548A Fatal (1) substantial
the pilot's improper decision to fly directly up the center of the valley and not circle climb to gain sufficient terrain clearance altitude. A facto…

the pilot's improper decision to fly directly up the center of the valley and not circle climb to gain sufficient terrain clearance altitude. A factor was inadequate route performance planning by the pilot.

Oct 21, 1999 DEER VALLEY, AZ N738FY Incident substantial
Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight verification of the fuel quantity, and, once he became aware of the critical fuel state, his d…

Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight verification of the fuel quantity, and, once he became aware of the critical fuel state, his decision to over-fly two alternate airports in order to continue to his destination.

Oct 15, 1999 CAMBRIDGE, MN N4621L Incident substantial the fractured main landing gear due to the improper maintenance by an unknown person(s) and the inadequate annual inspection by an unqualified person.
Oct 09, 1999 N. EAST CARRY, ME N35669 Incident substantial The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff under gusty wind and rough water conditions.
Oct 08, 1999 TORRANCE, CA N123FR Incident substantial The pilot's excessive airspeed on final approach and his misjudged flare, which resulted in a uncontrolled porpoise and hard landing.
Oct 07, 1999 BETHEL, AK N4762D Incident substantial The failure of the driver of the forklift to maintain an adequate visual outlook.
Oct 02, 1999 WOLFEBORO, NH N6921X Minor substantial A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Sep 27, 1999 DES MOINES, IA N738FA Incident substantial the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decisions which led to fuel exhaustion. A factor relating to this accident was the telephone pole.
Sep 27, 1999 LONGVIEW, TX N5374J Incident substantial The pilot's improper touchdown technique, which resulted in the airplane porpoising.
Sep 26, 1999 VACAVILLE, CA N738ZQ Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing gusty crosswind condition and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control.
Sep 25, 1999 PANGUITCH, UT N9103B Incident destroyed
Inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot in command. Factors were high velocity gusty winds, high-density altitude, and unsuitable …

Inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot in command. Factors were high velocity gusty winds, high-density altitude, and unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.

Sep 24, 1999 GALENA, AK N5309R Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to refuel, and the resulting fuel exhaustion. A factor was the dark night which hampered location of a nearby closed, and unlit, …

The pilot's failure to refuel, and the resulting fuel exhaustion. A factor was the dark night which hampered location of a nearby closed, and unlit, airstrip.

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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