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
Apr 09, 1997 PRESCOTT, AZ N8123E Incident substantial the student pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition, and his failure to maintain proper runway alignment.
Apr 09, 1997 ANNAPOLIS, MD N739AH Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to raise the flaps during the go-around. Factors involved were the high wind conditions and the pilot's failure to remove the car…

The pilot's failure to raise the flaps during the go-around. Factors involved were the high wind conditions and the pilot's failure to remove the carburetor heat.

Apr 05, 1997 TAMPA, FL N1385U Incident substantial
the pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions and failure to properly flare the airplane for landing. Factors relating to the accident were: …

the pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions and failure to properly flare the airplane for landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the gusty/quartering wind conditions, and the pilot's improper use of flaps for landing.

Mar 31, 1997 ST MATTHEWS, SC N738NC Incident substantial the pilot's improper decision to take off downwind with gusty wind conditions.
Mar 31, 1997 CINCINNATI, OH N73455 Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with…

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with tree(s) and a ditch.

Mar 30, 1997 AUBURN, WA N5115K Incident substantial
the pilots' inadequate evaluation of the strong winds, when they attempted to turn to taxi with a very strong tailwind. Factors relating to the accide…

the pilots' inadequate evaluation of the strong winds, when they attempted to turn to taxi with a very strong tailwind. Factors relating to the accident included the high and unfavorable winds.

Mar 28, 1997 GLENWOOD SPGS, CO N7273G Incident destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain airplane directional control, and his use of excessive rudder control.
Mar 27, 1997 POMPANO BEACH, FL N5123H Incident substantial the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in overload failure of the nose gear.
Mar 22, 1997 MIDDLETOWN, OH N733LK Incident substantial
the pilot's improper decision to taxi on a motor vehicle access road at night, and his inadequate visual look out which resulted in the collision with…

the pilot's improper decision to taxi on a motor vehicle access road at night, and his inadequate visual look out which resulted in the collision with an aluminum lamp post. A factor in this accident was the night condition.

Mar 10, 1997 CLEVELAND, OK N65753 Incident substantial
The pilot/mechanic's improper installation of the spark plug, resulting in its separation from the engine. A factor was the unsuitable terrain availa…

The pilot/mechanic's improper installation of the spark plug, resulting in its separation from the engine. A factor was the unsuitable terrain available in the runway's overrun area.

Mar 10, 1997 OAKLAND, CA N6375D Incident substantial the student pilot's failure to completely reduce the throttle after landing, and his failure to maintain proper runway alignment.
Feb 24, 1997 PETALUMA, CA N20508 Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and his failure to maintain directional control.
Feb 21, 1997 DELTA, UT N5552E Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the prevailing wind conditions, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the…

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the prevailing wind conditions, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors contributing to the accident are a sudden shift in the prevailing wind at the time of the landing, and the presence of a mound of dirt near the runway.

Feb 15, 1997 OCONTO, WI N61914 Incident substantial
the failure of the pilot to maintain proper runway alignment and thus clearance with the snow drifts during takeoff. A factor was the distance the sn…

the failure of the pilot to maintain proper runway alignment and thus clearance with the snow drifts during takeoff. A factor was the distance the snow drifts extended past the runway edge.

Feb 08, 1997 WEST CHICAGO, IL N13611 Incident substantial The loss of power for undetermined reasons.
Feb 04, 1997 CHESAPEAKE, OH N62332 Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach at night. Related factors were: darkness, and the pilot's lack of night flying ex…

the pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach at night. Related factors were: darkness, and the pilot's lack of night flying experience.

Feb 01, 1997 FORT WAYNE, IN N4696G Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate fuel management and fuel system exhaustion. A factor involved was the inadequate in-flight planning/decision.
Jan 28, 1997 CORONA, CA N80138 Incident substantial
Failure of the pilot in command to follow the airplane's before landing checklist and verify the landing gear was fully extended before landing. Fact…

Failure of the pilot in command to follow the airplane's before landing checklist and verify the landing gear was fully extended before landing. Factors in the accident were anxiety and diversion of the pilot's attention due to fuel gauge readings.

Jan 17, 1997 STEAMBOAT SPGS, CO N739QE Incident destroyed
Failure of the flight instructor and the dual student to maintain an adequate visual lookout. Factors were the flight instructor's inadequate supervi…

Failure of the flight instructor and the dual student to maintain an adequate visual lookout. Factors were the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight, inadequate altitude in which to clear obstacles, and the dual student's lack of familiarity with the geographical area.

Jan 16, 1997 BLOOMINGTON, IN N51448 Incident substantial the pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors included the icy runway and the crosswind.
Jan 02, 1997 ANDERSON, SC N1445E Incident substantial The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor was the pilot's improper level off.
Dec 04, 1996 BETHEL, AK N20024 Incident substantial
the pilot's improper planning/decision, and resultant failure to obtain/maintain sufficient airspeed during takeoff. A factor related the accident wa…

the pilot's improper planning/decision, and resultant failure to obtain/maintain sufficient airspeed during takeoff. A factor related the accident was: taking off with a tailwind.

Nov 29, 1996 BIG BEAR CITY, CA N1042G Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition, and his failure to maintain alignment with the runway. The gusty crosswind was a related …

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition, and his failure to maintain alignment with the runway. The gusty crosswind was a related factor.

Nov 27, 1996 CHINO, CA N5854R Incident destroyed
the pilot's attempt to taxi with a crosswind component well in excess of the aircraft's maximum factory demonstrated capability. The wind conditions …

the pilot's attempt to taxi with a crosswind component well in excess of the aircraft's maximum factory demonstrated capability. The wind conditions were factors.

Nov 27, 1996 HAMMOND, LA N2440L Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate preflight, resulting in the total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
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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