Cessna 172C Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 49 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 18, 2013 | Fairbanks, AK | N1512Y | Fatal (1) | substantial | The pilot’s failure to ensure that adequate fuel was on board the airplane, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent collision with terrain. |
| Sep 04, 2007 | Kelleys Island, OH | N1301Y | Fatal (2) | substantial |
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the water and dark night con…The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the water and dark night conditions which resulted in the lack of ground references during the takeoff. |
| Sep 16, 2005 | Saint Cloud, FL | N1814Y | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
The pilot's failure to maintain the airspeed while maneuvering following loss of engine power resulting in a stall/mush, an uncontrolled descent, and …The pilot's failure to maintain the airspeed while maneuvering following loss of engine power resulting in a stall/mush, an uncontrolled descent, and collision with trees and the ground. |
| Aug 27, 2005 | Winthrop, ME | N1680Y | Fatal (1) | substantial |
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and a subsequent forced landing and impa…The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and a subsequent forced landing and impact with terrain. |
| Jul 11, 2004 | Edinburgh, NY | N8358X | Fatal (1) | substantial | The pilot's occluded left main coronary artery, which resulted in a massive heart attack and sudden death in flight. |
| May 23, 2002 | Ball Ground, GA | N1479Y | Fatal (3) | destroyed | The flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees. |
| Feb 21, 1999 | GRENOLA, KS | N1831Y | Fatal (2) | destroyed | loss of control in flight due to incapacitation. |
| Apr 25, 1993 | DARRINGTON, WA | N1406Y | Fatal (1) | destroyed | FUEL EXHAUSTION AND THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE REFUELING OF THE AIRCRAFT. |
| Aug 16, 1987 | SWITZ CITY, IN | N1418Y | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| May 11, 1982 | SUNBURG, MN | N8432X | Fatal (1) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
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.
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database ·
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