How many accidents has the Cessna 172 had?

The NTSB has recorded 6810 events involving the Cessna 172: 960 fatal, 542 serious, 1048 minor injuries, and 4223 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 172 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 172 has 6810 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

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
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 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 01, 1997	UNKNOWN, UT	N4395R	Incident	substantial	Undetermined.
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.
Jun 28, 1997	FOWLERVILLE, MI	N55121	Incident	substantial	failure of the pilot to either attain proper touchdown point for landing or go around while he had sufficient airspeed and runway remaining.
Jun 22, 1997	GROSSE ILE, MI	N4491R	Incident	substantial	the instructor pilot's inadequate planning/decision, resulting in an inadvertent stall situation.
Jun 22, 1997	CHICAGO, IL	N6280R	Incident	substantial	the pilot inadvertently executed a wheels up landing.
Jun 11, 1997	FALL CITY, WA	N1319Y	Incident	substantial	the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. The soft, wet terrain was a related factor.
Jun 05, 1997	N. MYRTLE BEACH, SC	N5124G	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate pre-flight inspection which resulted in fuel exhaustion and total loss of engine power. A factor was the soft terrain at the em… The pilot's inadequate pre-flight inspection which resulted in fuel exhaustion and total loss of engine power. A factor was the soft terrain at the emergency landing site.
May 28, 1997	PERRY, GA	N13375	Incident	substantial	the pilot misjudged his distance/airspeed during the approach to land, and touched down long on the runway.
May 18, 1997	GALION, OH	N4430R	Incident	substantial	The inadvertent encounter with the helicopter main rotor downwash during the initial takeoff climb. Subsequently, the airplane descended and impacted… The inadvertent encounter with the helicopter main rotor downwash during the initial takeoff climb. Subsequently, the airplane descended and impacted the ground.
May 16, 1997	MADISON, WI	N738LM	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions which resulted in a loss of directional control of the airplane. Factors associated with the … the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions which resulted in a loss of directional control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty, crosswind conditions and the VASI lights.
May 14, 1997	VERO BEACH, FL	N9504H	Incident	substantial	failure of the pilot to ensure all articles in the aircraft were secured before flight, and subsequently, an oil can becoming lodged under the rudder … failure of the pilot to ensure all articles in the aircraft were secured before flight, and subsequently, an oil can becoming lodged under the rudder pedals and preventing her from controlling the aircraft during landing.
May 07, 1997	EL MONTE, CA	N6469D	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's misunderstanding of the controller's clearance during an aborted touch-and-go landing.
May 07, 1997	LAS CRUCES, NM	N733WJ	Incident	substantial	The improper installation of the throttle arm castellated nut, which resulted in a partial loss of power. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain f… The improper installation of the throttle arm castellated nut, which resulted in a partial loss of power. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
May 05, 1997	WESTMINISTER, MD	N3748F	Incident	destroyed	The pilot misjudged landing distance on the runway and his failure to perform a go-around.
May 04, 1997	AUSTIN, TX	N53359	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions.
Apr 27, 1997	PULLMAN, WA	N73934	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fuel truck parked near his taxi route. Factors include a dark night and a vehicle parked near the pi… The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fuel truck parked near his taxi route. Factors include a dark night and a vehicle parked near the pilot's route of taxi.
Apr 24, 1997	CHANDLER, AZ	N733PM	Incident	substantial	the pilot's encounter with crosswind gusts beyond the performance capability of the aircraft. A lack of crosswind limit information published in the … the pilot's encounter with crosswind gusts beyond the performance capability of the aircraft. A lack of crosswind limit information published in the Cessna 172N Pilot's Operating Handbook for landing and taxiing operations is a factor in the accident.
Apr 22, 1997	NINILCHIK, AK	N5407R	Incident	substantial	failure of the pilot to maintain altitude/clearance from a closed runway, while making a low pass, which resulted in an inadvertent touchdown.
Apr 21, 1997	MCKINNEY, TX	N54153	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control on the ground after recovery from a bounced landing.
Apr 16, 1997	LINCOLN PARK, NJ	N1405E	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing which resulted in a hard landing, collapsed nose gear, loss of directional control, and s… the student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing which resulted in a hard landing, collapsed nose gear, loss of directional control, and subsequent nose over.
Apr 10, 1997	LAWRENCEVILLE, GA	N4874D	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing. The winds were a factor.

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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Cessna 172 Safety Record

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