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 03, 1996 NIKISKI, AK N78108 Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor was the windshear.
Aug 01, 1996 VICTORIA, MS N737DK Minor substantial The pilot's improper fuel management resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Jul 27, 1996 BACKUS, MN N1620V Minor substantial the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and his abrupt maneuver to avoid the tree tops. The dark night was a factor.
Jul 26, 1996 NEZ PERCE, ID N61842 Minor substantial
the pilot's improper in-flight decision to turn up a canyon, which the aircraft was unable to out-climb. Factors relating to the accident were: high …

the pilot's improper in-flight decision to turn up a canyon, which the aircraft was unable to out-climb. Factors relating to the accident were: high ambient temperature, high density altitude, blind/box canyon, and trees in the area where the aircraft's climb profile caused it to come in contact with the raising terrain.

Jul 25, 1996 KETTLE FALLS, WA N4478L Minor destroyed
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. Factors relating to the accident were: high ambient temperatures; departing from a short, grass runway; an…

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. Factors relating to the accident were: high ambient temperatures; departing from a short, grass runway; and tall trees off the departure end of the airstrip.

Jul 25, 1996 UNION BRIDGE, MD N6169R Incident substantial loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s).
Jul 22, 1996 WEST MILFORD, NJ N46700 Incident substantial the pilot's failure in attaining the proper touchdown point, and his delay in initiating a go-around (aborted landing).
Jul 21, 1996 KENAI, AK N736LB Incident substantial
The loss of engine power due to seized piston connecting rod bearings, and subsequent failure of the piston connecting rod cap and fracture of the pis…

The loss of engine power due to seized piston connecting rod bearings, and subsequent failure of the piston connecting rod cap and fracture of the piston connecting rod. A factor associated with the accident was the rough and uneven emergency landing site.

Jul 21, 1996 BOULDER CITY, NV N6389D Incident substantial
a loss of directional control due to the student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and improper remedial action. Factors in the acc…

a loss of directional control due to the student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and improper remedial action. Factors in the accident were crosswinds, inadvertent brake application, and failure to use the ailerons.

Jul 20, 1996 EMILY, MN N7101T Incident destroyed
the pilot misjudged his altitude and distance to the runway on final approach, and he failed to maintain obstacle clearance during landing. A factor …

the pilot misjudged his altitude and distance to the runway on final approach, and he failed to maintain obstacle clearance during landing. A factor relating to the accident was: the parked car.

Jul 19, 1996 TREMONT CITY, OH N9731V Incident substantial the student pilot's misjudged flare which resulted in a hard landing.
Jul 19, 1996 STOWE, VT N5091G Incident destroyed
failure of the pilot to follow proper IFR procedures and to maintain proper terrain clearance (altitude) during an NDB approach. Factors related to t…

failure of the pilot to follow proper IFR procedures and to maintain proper terrain clearance (altitude) during an NDB approach. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's lack of instrument experience, low ceiling, and mountainous terrain.

Jul 19, 1996 MIDAS, NV N1958D Fatal (1) destroyed
the decision of the pilot to perform a low-level steep turn which resulted in an inadvertent loss of control and subsequent stall/spin. Factors were …

the decision of the pilot to perform a low-level steep turn which resulted in an inadvertent loss of control and subsequent stall/spin. Factors were high density altitude and inadequate altitude for recovery.

Jul 19, 1996 OKEECHOBEE, FL N62224 Serious (1) substantial
failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during a high speed taxi check, which resulted in a lift-off and subsequent collision with th…

failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during a high speed taxi check, which resulted in a lift-off and subsequent collision with the terrain.

Jul 16, 1996 DAGGETT, CA N738NZ Incident substantial The fracture and separation of an exhaust valve head for undetermined reasons.
Jul 16, 1996 ORLANDO, FL N6600H Incident substantial the student pilot's improper level off during landing.
Jul 14, 1996 FREDERICK, MD N78149 Incident substantial
the private pilot's inadvertently stalling the airplane immediately after takeoff. A related factor was the pilot's improper procedures during lift-o…

the private pilot's inadvertently stalling the airplane immediately after takeoff. A related factor was the pilot's improper procedures during lift-off.

Jul 13, 1996 FAIRFIELD, NJ N98730 Incident substantial
the pilot's improper aborted takeoff by extending full flaps which resulted in a porpoise. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the runway and the n…

the pilot's improper aborted takeoff by extending full flaps which resulted in a porpoise. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the runway and the nose gear collapsed.

Jul 13, 1996 Hickory, NC N1637F Incident substantial Engine stoppage for undetermined reasons. A factor was the terrain furrows.
Jul 11, 1996 VICKSBURG, MI N7545G Incident substantial the pilot's premature raising of the flaps during a go-around. The presence of birds was a factor.
Jul 10, 1996 FREEPORT, IL N5542R Incident substantial The pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance on final approach, and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point for landing.
Jul 08, 1996 CHERRY TREE, PA N1412F Incident substantial the pilot's failure to assure that adequate takeoff distance was available to clear an obstacle.
Jul 07, 1996 PLEASANT VALLEY, NY N7371T Serious (1) substantial failure of the pilot to maintain obstacle clearance from trees during a precautionary landing. His becoming lost was a related factor.
Jul 05, 1996 HILLSBOROUGH, NC N75814 Minor substantial The failure of the magneto impulse coupling spring. A factor was the power line at the approach end of the forced landing site.
Jul 04, 1996 OWASSO, OK N62511 Incident substantial
Inadequate maintenance by maintenance personnel resulting in inoperative brake system during an aborted takeoff. A factor was the downhill runway cond…

Inadequate maintenance by maintenance personnel resulting in inoperative brake system during an aborted takeoff. A factor was the downhill runway condition.

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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