Cessna 172F Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 133 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

133

All Events

68

Incidents

29

Minor

15

Serious

21

Fatal (30 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Sep 26, 2025 Battle Ground, WA N8219U Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 06, 2024 Brazoria, TX N7905U Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
May 26, 2022 Show Low, AZ N5532R Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot’s improper leaning of the engine during an extended period of time, which caused an exhaust valve to become stuck and led to the partial los…

The pilot’s improper leaning of the engine during an extended period of time, which caused an exhaust valve to become stuck and led to the partial loss of engine power during the accident flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a second takeoff without having the engine further examined.

Jan 27, 2018 Williamsport, IN N8559U Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's mismanagement of fuel, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and descent and collision with trees.
Aug 04, 2015 La Blanca, GT TG-ZAB Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 24, 2006 Brookville, IN N8829U Fatal (1) substantial
The in-flight loss of engine power during cruise flight due to restricted fuel flow and the inadequate preflight the pilot performed. An additional c…

The in-flight loss of engine power during cruise flight due to restricted fuel flow and the inadequate preflight the pilot performed. An additional cause was the trees.

Mar 08, 2005 Hot Springs, AR N8382U Fatal (1) substantial
A loss of engine power due to the pilot's failure to refuel resulting in fuel starvation. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for …

A loss of engine power due to the pilot's failure to refuel resulting in fuel starvation. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing, and a shoulder harness restraint system was not installed.

Jun 12, 2004 Madisonville, TN N8777U Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering on a touch and go landing resulting in a stall and collision with the ground.
Jan 07, 2001 San Luis Obispo, CA N383CA Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate to VFR conditions on-top.
Nov 29, 1998 COLEMAN, WI N72RE Fatal (2) destroyed
pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees and his intentional flight into IMC conditions. Factors contributing to this accident were the p…

pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees and his intentional flight into IMC conditions. Factors contributing to this accident were the pilot's lack of instrument certification, his becoming lost in the poor weather, his inadequate preparation for flight by failing to obtain adequate weather information, his improper decision to attempt a visual approach in instrument conditions, and the trees.

Jan 25, 1997 CONRAD, PA N8835U Fatal (1) destroyed
VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and spatial disorientation of the pilot, which led to loss of aircraft contro…

VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and spatial disorientation of the pilot, which led to loss of aircraft control, an uncontrolled descent, and subsequent collision with wooded terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, the pilot's lack of instrument experience, and the wooded, mountainous/hilly terrain.

Sep 22, 1996 SAINT CLAIR, MN N5373R Fatal (1) destroyed a loss of power due to the engine's #2 cylinder exhaust valve stuck open, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.
May 12, 1995 TAPPAHANOCK, VA N5238F Fatal (1) destroyed
The student pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed during the approach to land, and her failure to go around while there was still sufficient runway re…

The student pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed during the approach to land, and her failure to go around while there was still sufficient runway remaining. Factors related to the accident were: inadequate supervision by the flight instructor, the student's lack of recent flying experience, and the student pilot becaming lost or disoriented during the solo cross-country flight.

Apr 09, 1995 SENECA, SC N8197U Fatal (1) substantial THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT WHILE MANEUVERING NEAR UTILITY LINES, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH THE WIRES.
Jun 21, 1993 MIAMI, MO N5461R Fatal (1) destroyed the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.
Jun 17, 1989 VERNON, AL N7939U Fatal (1) substantial
IMPROPER MAINTENANCE OF THE SPARK PLUGS BY THE PILOT/MECHANIC WHICH RESULTED IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CLEAR TREES…

IMPROPER MAINTENANCE OF THE SPARK PLUGS BY THE PILOT/MECHANIC WHICH RESULTED IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CLEAR TREES DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL.

Feb 18, 1989 SAFFORD, AZ N8492U Fatal (1) destroyed
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH RESULTING IN AN AERODYNAMIC STALL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT…

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH RESULTING IN AN AERODYNAMIC STALL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S DELAYED USE OF WING FLAPS.

Oct 31, 1983 BRUNSWICK, GA N5236F Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 07, 1983 EL PASO, TX N5259F Fatal (3) destroyed Investigation pending
Jan 02, 1983 HANCOCK, MD N8515U Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Jul 15, 1982 OXBOW, OR N8230U Fatal (4) 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.
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