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
Mar 30, 1996 FULLERTON, CA N9964L Incident substantial
the student pilot's inadequate compensation for the encounter with wake turbulence from a preceding small aircraft, and his improper bounced landing r…

the student pilot's inadequate compensation for the encounter with wake turbulence from a preceding small aircraft, and his improper bounced landing recovery technique.

Mar 27, 1996 TAPLIN, WV N61546 Minor substantial the pilot's improper level off and recovery from a bounced landing.
Mar 23, 1996 ROANOKE, VA N108RV Incident substantial loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). Darkness and the pilot's improper emergency procedures were related factors.
Mar 23, 1996 ROCKWALL, TX N737UP Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the gusty wind condition.
Mar 23, 1996 UPLAND, CA N7044T Serious (1) substantial fuel system contamination and the pilot's intentional operation of a known unairworthy aircraft.
Mar 22, 1996 NEW SMYRNA BCH, FL N75770 Incident substantial
The student pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent porpoise, and subsequent overload fa…

The student pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent porpoise, and subsequent overload failure of the nose gear.

Mar 22, 1996 FREDERICKSBURG, TX N73356 Serious (1) destroyed
failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach and go-around, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the grou…

failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach and go-around, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground. Factors relating to the accident were: the high, gusty, crosswind conditions, and the pilot's lack of recent experience.

Mar 14, 1996 NAPA, CA N20858 Incident substantial
the failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other aircraft, and the failure of the pilot of the Cessna 172L, N7668G, to follow VFR procedures by n…

the failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other aircraft, and the failure of the pilot of the Cessna 172L, N7668G, to follow VFR procedures by not yielding the right of way to the Cessna 172M, N20858, which was already established in the traffic pattern.

Mar 14, 1996 TOFTE, MN N3898S Incident substantial the pilot's failure to perform adequate preflight planning which resulted in landing at a closed airport. The snow covered runway was a factor.
Mar 12, 1996 CAMP LAKE, WI N2966U Serious (1) substantial Failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from trees that were located beside the runway.
Mar 09, 1996 MACON, GA N2681U Incident substantial
The pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for th…

The pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Mar 09, 1996 ASHEVILLE, NC N79058 Incident substantial failure of the brake on the right main landing gear as a result of water (ice) in the brake fluid, which resulted in a loss of braking control.
Mar 05, 1996 VALPARAISO, IN N21662 Incident substantial the pilot's continued flight into adverse weather. Factors were the low ceilings, icing conditions, airframe ice, and the muddy field.
Mar 04, 1996 BEDFORD, MA N61992 Incident substantial
the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight, the pilot's improper compensation for the wind conditions, and the high wind. The instr…

the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight, the pilot's improper compensation for the wind conditions, and the high wind. The instructor's inadequate evaluation of the weather was a contributing factor.

Mar 04, 1996 KETCHIKAN, AK N739YR Minor substantial loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of a suitable area for an emergency landing.
Mar 02, 1996 ANKENY, IA N8626B Incident substantial the pilot's poor judgment in attempting flight operations in the existing wind condition, and the high gusting wind.
Mar 02, 1996 HAWTHORNE, FL N2456U Fatal (2) destroyed the pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during an instrument approach.
Feb 26, 1996 JULIAN, CA N2598U Fatal (3) destroyed
the pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. The pilot's inadequate prefli…

the pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. The pilot's inadequate preflight/preparation, low clouds, fog, and mountain obscuration were factors in the accident.

Feb 24, 1996 WAREHOUSE POINT, CT N12219 Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and gusts. The wind conditions were factors.
Feb 24, 1996 WEST JORDAN, UT N76027 Minor destroyed improper installation of the airplane's carburetor fuel lines by maintenance personnel.
Feb 24, 1996 WEST CHICAGO, IL N99341 Incident substantial the student pilot's misjudging the flare. A factor was the gusts.
Feb 23, 1996 AUSTIN, TX N6601D Serious (2) substantial the partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the #3 connecting rod. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Feb 22, 1996 IOWA, LA N775NA Serious (1) substantial
the pilot's selection of the wrong runway for landing, his delay in initiating a go-around (aborted landing), and his failure to maintain clearance fr…

the pilot's selection of the wrong runway for landing, his delay in initiating a go-around (aborted landing), and his failure to maintain clearance from the transmission lines. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's improper weather evaluation, the resultant tailwind, and the proximity of transmission lines to the runway.

Feb 20, 1996 JULIAN, CA N738ED Fatal (3) destroyed
the pilot's delay in requesting assistance to avoid high terrain. Factors were: the downdrafts, mountainous terrain, and the pilot's improper in-flig…

the pilot's delay in requesting assistance to avoid high terrain. Factors were: the downdrafts, mountainous terrain, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning.

Feb 18, 1996 JACKSON, MS N166F Minor substantial
loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reason(s). A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced land…

loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reason(s). A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

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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