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 17, 1996 GREENWOOD, IL N6218F Incident substantial the pilot's failure to obtain a proper touchdown point.
Aug 10, 1996 FULLERTON, CA N42ES Incident substantial
the pilot's misjudged glide path and delayed remedial action by not promptly initiating a go-around. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of ex…

the pilot's misjudged glide path and delayed remedial action by not promptly initiating a go-around. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of experience flying the airplane.

Aug 09, 1996 NASHVILLE, TN N5291E Incident substantial inadequate annual inspection by other maintenance personnel and inadequate pre-flight inspection by the pilot.
Aug 04, 1996 CINCINNATI, OH N172PS Incident substantial
failure of the student pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a stall/spin and an uncontrolled collisi…

failure of the student pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a stall/spin and an uncontrolled collision with the ground. A factor related to the accident was: an improper (premature) flare for landing.

Aug 03, 1996 NIKISKI, AK N78108 Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor was the windshear.
Aug 03, 1996 MIDLAND, OH N12141 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to attain adequate alignment with the runway and to maintain adequate terrain clearance during landing.
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 16, 1996 ORLANDO, FL N6600H Incident substantial the student pilot's improper level off during landing.
Jul 16, 1996 DAGGETT, CA N738NZ Incident substantial The fracture and separation of an exhaust valve head for undetermined reasons.
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 Hickory, NC N1637F Incident substantial Engine stoppage for undetermined reasons. A factor was the terrain furrows.
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 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 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.

Jul 01, 1996 JOHNSTOWN, CO N19682 Incident substantial failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude/clearance from obstructions, while buzzing.
Jun 30, 1996 FRAZIER PARK, CA N6819H Incident substantial
the failure of the pilot to maintain terrain clearance after a misjudged approach and landing that necessitated a go-around and subsequent collision w…

the failure of the pilot to maintain terrain clearance after a misjudged approach and landing that necessitated a go-around and subsequent collision with some wires. Factors were high density altitude and an inadequate evaluation by the pilot-in-command of the weather conditions.

Jun 30, 1996 PIERCE, CO N1686F Incident substantial a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the unsuitable terrain.
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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