Cessna 172L Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 162 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 14, 2025 | Walters, OK | N2860Q | Fatal (1) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Sep 22, 2017 | Perkinsville, AZ | N7070Q | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
The pilot's decision to fly into a canyon during wind conditions conducive to turbulence and downdrafts, and his subsequent loss of aircraft control w…The pilot's decision to fly into a canyon during wind conditions conducive to turbulence and downdrafts, and his subsequent loss of aircraft control while maneuvering in the canyon. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's limited canyon flying experience. |
| Sep 19, 2008 | York, NE | N4380Q | Fatal (2) | substantial | The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, and the flight instructor's failure to take remedial action, for undetermined reasons. |
| Jan 12, 2008 | Clearwater, FL | N7100Q | Fatal (3) | substantial |
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's operation of the airplan…The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's operation of the airplane above the design gross weight. |
| Apr 25, 2006 | Montgomery Twp, PA | N7604G | Fatal (1) | destroyed | An impact with mountainous terrain for an undetermined reason. |
| Oct 14, 2005 | Rootstown, OH | N7768G | Fatal (4) | destroyed |
The failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout during cruise flight, which resulted in their failure to see and avoid each other an…The failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout during cruise flight, which resulted in their failure to see and avoid each other and a midair collision. |
| Sep 29, 2004 | Gadsden, AL | N4336Q | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
The flight instructors failure to maintain clearance and his inadequate visual lookout while flying low over a river resulting in an in-flight collisi…The flight instructors failure to maintain clearance and his inadequate visual lookout while flying low over a river resulting in an in-flight collision with a wire. |
| Aug 12, 2004 | Webster, WI | N3599F | Fatal (1) | destroyed | The high velocity impact with terrain for undetermined reasons. |
| Dec 26, 2003 | Vacaville, CA | N7668G | Fatal (1) | — | the pilot's inadequate hand prop starting procedure. |
| Sep 06, 2003 | New Braunfels, TX | N7632G | Fatal (2) | destroyed | The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin during takeoff. |
| Mar 07, 2003 | Rosamond, CA | N19770 | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a stall and impact with flat level terrain. …the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a stall and impact with flat level terrain. Also causal was the pilot's impaired judgment due to recent use of cocaine, and ethanol. |
| Sep 16, 2001 | Tucson, AZ | N4312Q | Fatal (1) | destroyed | the pilot's controlled descent into a residence for undetermined reasons. |
| Aug 28, 2000 | MILL CREEK, PA | N4344Q | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
The pilot's improper pre-flight planning, and in-flight planning decision to continue visual fight into deteriorating adverse weather conditions. Fac…The pilot's improper pre-flight planning, and in-flight planning decision to continue visual fight into deteriorating adverse weather conditions. Factors were the night conditions, low clouds and fog. |
| Aug 26, 1998 | ANACORTES, WA | N1069M | Fatal (1) | substantial | Terrain clearance was not maintained. A low ceiling and the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision were factors. |
| Jun 23, 1998 | MACCLENNY, FL | N3853Q | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
The student pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a subsequent in-flight collision with trees and terra…The student pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a subsequent in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Contributing factors were, haze/smoke, the student pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, the student pilot's lack of total experience in type operation, and trees. |
| Oct 30, 1996 | BRANDY STATION, VA | N7737G | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
the certificated flight instructor's failure to ensure that proper altitude/clearance was maintained above the terrain and trees, while on final appro…the certificated flight instructor's failure to ensure that proper altitude/clearance was maintained above the terrain and trees, while on final approach. Darkness was a related factor. |
| May 24, 1992 | COLBURN, ID | N3988Q | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
THE PILOT BECAME LOST/DISORIENTED, FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE IN A BOX CANYON, AND THE AIRCRAFT STALLED. FACTORS …THE PILOT BECAME LOST/DISORIENTED, FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE IN A BOX CANYON, AND THE AIRCRAFT STALLED. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE NARROW BOX CANYON, THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, AND THE LACK OF MOUNTAIN FLYING EXPERIENCE BY THE PIC. |
| Sep 01, 1990 | MONTAUK, NY | N4324Q | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
PILOT FAILED TO ATTAIN AIRSPEED DURING A GO AROUND, RESULTING IN THE AIRPLANE STALLING AT A LOW ALTITUDE. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S ATTENTIO…PILOT FAILED TO ATTAIN AIRSPEED DURING A GO AROUND, RESULTING IN THE AIRPLANE STALLING AT A LOW ALTITUDE. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S ATTENTION WAS DIVERTED TO AIRPORT MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL WORKING NEAR THE APPROACH END OF THE RUNWAY. |
| Jun 12, 1989 | HUBBARDSTON, MA | N19649 | Fatal (1) | substantial | FAILURE OF BOTH PILOTS TO SEE-AND-AVOID (ATTAIN VISUAL LOOKOUT FOR) CONFLICTING TRAFFIC. |
| May 14, 1988 | OCEAN SHORES, WA | N7935G | Fatal (1) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Mar 29, 1987 | PLAINFIELD, IL | N4211Q | Fatal (1) | — | Investigation pending |
| Aug 24, 1986 | GRAND CANYON, AZ | N7382Q | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Dec 30, 1984 | GALVESTON, TX | N2823Q | Fatal (3) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Nov 27, 1983 | SIMPSON, LA | N2899G | Fatal (4) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Jun 05, 1982 | MEINERS OAKS, CA | N19659 | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |