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
Aug 08, 1997 ROCKHILL, SC N66098 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to plan and have adequate fuel for the flight.
Aug 06, 1997 KEOKUK, IA N13353 Incident substantial
the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a porpoise, failure (collapse) of the nose gear, and a subs…

the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a porpoise, failure (collapse) of the nose gear, and a subsequent nose over.

Aug 05, 1997 LANGLEY, WA N73158 Incident substantial A failed exhaust valve. Factors were tailwind and excessive airspeed during the ensuing forced landing. .
Aug 03, 1997 QUINTON, VA N9647B Incident substantial The pilot's failure to identify an unsafe landing gear condition. A factor in the accident was the loss of electrical power.
Aug 01, 1997 MILTON, WV N80987 Incident substantial The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Jul 29, 1997 LA PORTE, TX N52336 Incident substantial
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, as he attempted to close and lock the left cabin window.…

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, as he attempted to close and lock the left cabin window. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's failure to follow the before takeoff checklist (secure the windows before starting the takeoff), and his diverted attention.

Jul 28, 1997 NORMANS CAY, BF N84653 Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 28, 1997 CLACKAMAS, OR N80222 Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in a steep turn and his concurrent failure to maintain adequate altitude, resulting in an accelerate…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in a steep turn and his concurrent failure to maintain adequate altitude, resulting in an accelerated stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery. Factors include the pilot's intentional low altitude flight and maneuvering in an ostentatious display, and the pilot's lack of total experience.

Jul 24, 1997 FORT WORTH, TX N733HC Incident substantial failure of the pilot in the Cessna 172 to maintain clearance from the Cessna 152 aircraft.
Jul 22, 1997 FITCHBURG, MA N3553S Incident substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Jul 20, 1997 DONNELLY, ID N1418U Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to perform proper preflight planning for the flight, and his failure to obtain/maintain clearance from trees during takeoff. Fact…

The pilot's failure to perform proper preflight planning for the flight, and his failure to obtain/maintain clearance from trees during takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident include the pilot's delayed remedial action, his improper use of flaps, and high density altitude.

Jul 20, 1997 ATHENS, TN N13428 Incident substantial the pilot's failure to initiate a go-around. The pilot's misjudged approach was a factor.
Jul 19, 1997 CHICAGO, IL N5323K Fatal (7) destroyed
the pilots not maintaining visual separation between their airplanes. A factor in this accident was the pilot of the southbound airplane not reportin…

the pilots not maintaining visual separation between their airplanes. A factor in this accident was the pilot of the southbound airplane not reporting her position abeam the airport as directed by the ATC controller.

Jul 16, 1997 OTTUMWA, IA N733FT Incident substantial
the improper flare performed by the student and the inadequate recovery from the bounced landing. A factor related to the accident was the student la…

the improper flare performed by the student and the inadequate recovery from the bounced landing. A factor related to the accident was the student lack of experience.

Jul 15, 1997 LAKELAND, FL N737EV Incident substantial
the student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain proper runway alignment during the landing, which resulted in …

the student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain proper runway alignment during the landing, which resulted in a collision with a runway marker. The rear-quartering tailwind (crosswind) and gusts were related factors.

Jul 14, 1997 MANVILLE, NJ N9679V Serious (1) destroyed
The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor was the pilot's lack of recent flight e…

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.

Jul 11, 1997 NACHES, WA N35436 Minor substantial
inadequate preflight by the pilot, and subsequent fuel exhaustion, which led to a forced landing and subsequent nose over of the aircraft. Related fa…

inadequate preflight by the pilot, and subsequent fuel exhaustion, which led to a forced landing and subsequent nose over of the aircraft. Related factors were: the FBO did not refuel the aircraft as requested, and soft terrain was encountered during the forced landing.

Jul 07, 1997 JOSHUA TREE, CA N738ET Minor substantial
failure of the pilot to adequately judge the wind direction and to select the correct runway, which resulted in a downwind landing; and his failure to…

failure of the pilot to adequately judge the wind direction and to select the correct runway, which resulted in a downwind landing; and his failure to go around, while there was sufficient runway remaining. The tailwind, fence, and ditch were related factors.

Jul 06, 1997 WILDWOOD, NJ N97011 Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate use of carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor icing.
Jul 04, 1997 GOODYEAR, AZ N7359A Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition, and his resultant failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft du…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition, and his resultant failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing flare.

Jul 04, 1997 AGUIGUAN ISLAND, MP N8189B Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment while landing on an undeveloped private dirt strip.
Jul 04, 1997 POWDERLY, TX N3888L Serious (2) substantial The inadvertent stall due to the pilot's diverted attention to an open service door. A factor was the inadequate preflight inspection by the pilot.
Jul 01, 1997 UNKNOWN, UT N4395R Incident substantial Undetermined.
Jun 30, 1997 TIOGA, PA N97613 Minor substantial The pilot's improper inflight decision to land downwind with an inoperative airspeed indicator, and his improper landing flare.
Jun 28, 1997 FORT WORTH, TX N53795 Incident substantial
improper planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI), which resulted in his inadvertent encounter with jet blast from a twin jet transport airpla…

improper planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI), which resulted in his inadvertent encounter with jet blast from a twin jet transport airplane.

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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