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
Jun 02, 2025 Vero Beach, FL N5200F Minor substantial A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
Dec 21, 2022 Auburn Hills, MI N8768U Minor substantial
The catastrophic engine failure due to lack of oil lubrication, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to follow the airplane and engine manufacturer…

The catastrophic engine failure due to lack of oil lubrication, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to follow the airplane and engine manufacturers’ guidance for cold weather operation.

May 31, 2014 Mount Pleasant, PA N8394U Minor substantial The pilot's incorrect takeoff procedures from the soft grass runway and his delay in aborting the takeoff after recognizing slow acceleration.
Jan 20, 2013 Marysville, CA N5208F Minor substantial
A total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation, which resulted from maintenance personnel’s improper installation of the fue…

A total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation, which resulted from maintenance personnel’s improper installation of the fuel selector handle. Contributing to the accident was an incorrectly modified fuel selector handle assembly.

May 05, 2012 Cambridge, NY N5551R Minor substantial The pilot’s loss of airplane control during a takeoff in variable crosswind conditions.
Aug 29, 2011 Atlanta, ID N8698U Minor substantial The pilot’s misjudgment of his final approach path. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.
Dec 17, 2009 Corona, CA N8520U Minor substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Apr 28, 2008 White Plains, NY N5382R Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path during the approach.
Sep 04, 2005 Haleyville, AL N5320R Minor substantial
The pilots inadequate preflight of the fuel tank resulting in a total loss of engine power in cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a for…

The pilots inadequate preflight of the fuel tank resulting in a total loss of engine power in cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a forced landing, and nose over on landing roll out.

Oct 15, 2003 Columbus, NE N5204F Minor substantial
The student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted take…

The student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind condition, the delayed aborted takeoff, and the student's lack of experience.

Feb 03, 2003 Waskish, MN N8112U Minor substantial The inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot. Contributing factors were the snow covered takeoff area and the tailwind.
Aug 02, 1998 TUSKEGEE, AL N7884U Minor substantial The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed, and his failure to abort the takeoff.
Feb 14, 1997 SAN PABLO BAY, CA N3757F Minor substantial total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat.
Oct 22, 1996 VENICE, FL N5130F Minor substantial
inadequate maintenance servicing of the airplane during an oil change by the owner/pilot for his failure to secure the oil temperature probe securing …

inadequate maintenance servicing of the airplane during an oil change by the owner/pilot for his failure to secure the oil temperature probe securing nut. Also, inadequate maintenance of the airplane by the owner/pilot for his failure to operate the engine with the engine cowling removed following the oil change to check for oil leaks. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.

Jul 22, 1995 WYANDOTTE, IN N8599U Minor substantial
the number three intake valve became stuck (seized), which resulted in a loss of engine power. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was …

the number three intake valve became stuck (seized), which resulted in a loss of engine power. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.

Oct 11, 1994 INDIANTOWN, FL N5415R Minor substantial THE IMPROPER LANDING FLARE BY THE PILOT RESULTING IN THE HARD LANDING.
Sep 25, 1993 LONG ISLAND, TK N8676U Minor destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 05, 1993 RAVENEL, SC N8279U Minor substantial
THE CONTINUATION OF THE LANDING ATTEMPT INTO THE SHORT SOD FIELD WITHOUT THE USE OF FLAPS AND THE USE OF EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED BY THE PILOT. FACTORS IN T…

THE CONTINUATION OF THE LANDING ATTEMPT INTO THE SHORT SOD FIELD WITHOUT THE USE OF FLAPS AND THE USE OF EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED BY THE PILOT. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FAILURE OF THE AIRCRAFT FLAPS TO EXTEND

Feb 27, 1992 MC ALESTER, OK N5499R Minor substantial INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR WAS A TOTAL POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION.
Sep 21, 1990 HUNTINGTON, IN N8259U Minor destroyed THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING ENSURING SUFFICIENT FUEL FOR THE INTENDED FLIGHT.
May 21, 1988 SHELLMAN, GA N8374U Minor substantial Investigation pending
Oct 03, 1987 GRAND BAY, AL N5647R Minor substantial Investigation pending
Mar 27, 1986 SANTO DOMINGO, PR N5111F Minor substantial Investigation pending
Mar 03, 1986 EPHRAIM, UT N7879U Minor substantial Investigation pending
Feb 15, 1986 CLEWISTON, FL N8886U Minor 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.
← Cessna 172F For Sale All Cessna Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data
View 7 Cessna 172F for sale ↓