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
Dec 05, 1995 WINSLOW, AZ N739LD Incident substantial
the student pilot's use of an excessive airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in a hard landing, a porpoise, and a collapse of the nose…

the student pilot's use of an excessive airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in a hard landing, a porpoise, and a collapse of the nose landing gear.

Dec 04, 1995 MADISON, MS N12245 Incident substantial THE PILOT'S PREMATURE RAISING OF FLAPS DURING A GO-AROUND.
Dec 02, 1995 HALLETT, OK N98003 Fatal (3) destroyed The flight instructor's intentional low altitude flight maneuver. Factors were the static wire and the bright night condition.
Dec 01, 1995 LOVINGSTON, VA N84460 Incident substantial
the pilot's improper planning/decision during the approach/landing phase of flight. Related factors were: the pilot's selection of the wrong runway, …

the pilot's improper planning/decision during the approach/landing phase of flight. Related factors were: the pilot's selection of the wrong runway, and the gusty tailwind conditions.

Nov 27, 1995 KASILOF, AK N4231F Minor substantial The pilot's inadvertent liftoff, and an inoperative elevator that became jammed due to frozen slush/snow.
Nov 26, 1995 LAJAS, PR N3608S Incident substantial the student pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in a loss of power due to water in the fuel.
Nov 26, 1995 STEVENS POINT, WI N6293F Serious (2) substantial flying into known icing conditions and descending below the minimum descent altitude.
Nov 25, 1995 NORA SPRINGS, IA N6094R Minor substantial
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, which resulted in loss of airspeed and a stall/mush as he was maneuvering to avoid obstructions…

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, which resulted in loss of airspeed and a stall/mush as he was maneuvering to avoid obstructions off the end of the runway. Factors relating to the accident were: the unfavorable wind condition, high obstructions, and the airplane's excessive gross weight.

Nov 12, 1995 NILES, MI N738LM Incident substantial
fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel consumption calculations. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's lack of familiari…

fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel consumption calculations. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft and operating with a known malfunctioning fuel gauge.

Nov 10, 1995 SANTA ANA, CA N55152 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. The pilot's diverted attention while raising the fl…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. The pilot's diverted attention while raising the flaps and pushing in the carburetor heat control was a factor in this accident.

Nov 02, 1995 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK N6364E Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to use carburetor heat resulting in loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. A factor was the lack of suitable terrai…

The student pilot's failure to use carburetor heat resulting in loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

Oct 28, 1995 BORREGO SPRINGS, CA N2552L Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which failed to detect a bird's nest in the air induction system. Factors in the accident were carburetor…

the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which failed to detect a bird's nest in the air induction system. Factors in the accident were carburetor icing conditions and the pilot's improper use of carburetor heat.

Oct 27, 1995 LIVERMORE, CA N2967E Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. A contributing factor was the rough/uneven terrain.
Oct 22, 1995 PRYOR, OK N2848U Incident substantial THE HIGH WIND AND THE PILOT'S POOR JUDGMENT IN ATTEMPTING THE FLIGHT.
Oct 21, 1995 CHESTER, CT N9412B Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed, and his delay in aborting the takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with trees. …

The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed, and his delay in aborting the takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with trees. Factors relating to the accident were: the wet runway and hydroplaning conditions.

Oct 20, 1995 ORMOND BEACH, FL N913AT Incident substantial
THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING AND HIS FAILURE TO EXECUTE A GO-AROUND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE STUDENT PI…

THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING AND HIS FAILURE TO EXECUTE A GO-AROUND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE STUDENT PILOT'S HIGH, FAST APPROACH AND HIS MISJUDGMENT OF THE FLARE DURING LANDING.

Oct 19, 1995 LAUREL, MT N6477D Incident substantial
the student pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in inadequate altitude/clearance from hangar buildings and a subsequent emergency landi…

the student pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in inadequate altitude/clearance from hangar buildings and a subsequent emergency landing, while attempting to evade a flock of geese. The flock of geese was a related factor.

Oct 16, 1995 WILKES-BARRE, PA N3773L Incident substantial
the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Contributing factors were the instructor's inexperience and the student pilot's failure to mai…

the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Contributing factors were the instructor's inexperience and the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.

Oct 12, 1995 NORWICH, VT N70080 Fatal (2) destroyed
loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), during a low altitude operation. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain…

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

Oct 11, 1995 DANBURY, WI N8740U Incident substantial
the partial failure of the left magneto, the road sign, and the road embankment. A factor relating to this accident is the brush which obscured the r…

the partial failure of the left magneto, the road sign, and the road embankment. A factor relating to this accident is the brush which obscured the road sign.

Oct 10, 1995 BAYFIELD, CO N4834V Fatal (3) destroyed THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT DIVERTING ATTENTION WHILE LOOKING FOR GAME.
Oct 10, 1995 HONEOYE FALLS, NY N2792L Serious (1) substantial the pilot's failure to establish a climb in that he failed to raise the flaps and failed to assure full power was applied during the go-around.
Oct 09, 1995 SUGAR LAND, TX N73357 Incident substantial the student pilot's diverted attention and failure to maintain directional control.
Oct 09, 1995 TUCSON, AZ N260ER Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing tailwind conditions, improper flare, and failure to maintain directional control.
Oct 08, 1995 CROCKETT, TX N738DF Minor substantial
failure of both magnetos to operate properly due to inadequate maintenance by other maintenance personnel. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain …

failure of both magnetos to operate properly due to inadequate maintenance by other maintenance personnel. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain available for the 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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