How many accidents has the Cessna 172D had?

The NTSB has recorded 79 events involving the Cessna 172D: 12 fatal, 12 serious, 10 minor injuries, and 45 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 172D a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 172D has 79 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 172D Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 79 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (21 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Aug 05, 1995	HAGUE, VA	N2418Y	Incident	substantial	FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY DURING THE LANDING. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CROSSWIND AND THE PR… FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY DURING THE LANDING. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CROSSWIND AND THE PROXIMITY OF TALL CORN (CROP) TO THE NARROW RUNWAY.
Mar 25, 1995	LAKE OSWEGO, OR	N6600T	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT'S IMPROPER TOUCHDOWN ON THE SURFACE OF THE WATER.
Sep 25, 1994	ALABASTER, AL	N2830U	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY SUMP THE FUEL SYSTEM DURING THE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION THAT RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER.
Jan 30, 1993	SLAYTON, MN	N2440U	Incident	substantial	THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND CONDITION. THE CROSSWIND WAS A FACTOR.
Sep 15, 1991	GREENEVILLE, TN	N73L	Incident	substantial	THE INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE PILOT OF N78239, AND HIS FAILURE TO ACCURATELY JUDGE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO AIRCRAFT. FACTORS IN THE ACCID… THE INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE PILOT OF N78239, AND HIS FAILURE TO ACCURATELY JUDGE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO AIRCRAFT. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS AND THE RESULTING VISUAL PERCEPTION OF AIRCRAFT LIGHTING IN DARK CONDITIONS.
Apr 25, 1989	OTTAWA, IL	N98923	Incident	substantial	STUDENT PILOT'S CONTINUING AN APPROACH TO LANDING BEYOND THE POINT WHERE SHE COULD BRING THE AIRCRAFT TO A CONTROLLED STOP ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY SUR… STUDENT PILOT'S CONTINUING AN APPROACH TO LANDING BEYOND THE POINT WHERE SHE COULD BRING THE AIRCRAFT TO A CONTROLLED STOP ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY SURFACE.
Aug 11, 1988	TUPELO, MS	N2344U	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Sep 14, 1987	SCOTTDALE, PA	N2467U	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Aug 31, 1987	FORTUNA, CA	N246WB	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jul 26, 1987	CUSTER, SD	N2346U	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Aug 09, 1986	CORDELL, OK	N2730U	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Apr 17, 1986	GARDEN GROVE, IA	N2502Y	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Apr 10, 1986	MOJAVE, CA	N2762U	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jun 26, 1984	RENO, NV	N2384U	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jun 09, 1984	TOLEDO, WA	N2132Y	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Apr 20, 1984	BAD AXE, MI	N2472U	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Mar 15, 1984	FITCHBURG, MA	N2773U	Incident	—	Investigation pending
Mar 14, 1984	BELLE CHASSE, LA	N2882U	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Apr 20, 1983	New Braunfels, TX	N2419U	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Apr 22, 1982	ENDICOTT, NY	N2456Y	Incident	substantial	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.

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Cessna 172D Safety Record

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