Cessna 172L Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 162 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 21, 2008 | Fairfax, IA | N9832G | Serious (1) | substantial | Fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and inaccurate fuel calculations. |
| Sep 17, 2004 | Kill Devil Hlls, NC | N986AC | Serious (1) | substantial |
An in-flight encounter with a downdraft on final approach, which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane and subsequent collision with the groun…An in-flight encounter with a downdraft on final approach, which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane and subsequent collision with the ground. |
| Jun 22, 2003 | San Antonio, TX | N912KD | Serious (1) | substantial | The pilot misjudged his altitude and airspeed, and his failure to perform a go-around. |
| Aug 13, 2001 | Brockport, NY | N7878G | Serious (2) | substantial |
The pilot's delayed go-around during the landing attempt. Factors included the dark night conditions and the pilot's inadequate preflight decision to…The pilot's delayed go-around during the landing attempt. Factors included the dark night conditions and the pilot's inadequate preflight decision to fly to an airport with inoperative surface lighting. |
| Aug 04, 2001 | Parkersburg, WV | N7821G | Serious (1) | substantial | The student pilot's failure to obtain a proper rate of climb, resulting in a collision with trees. |
| Apr 03, 1997 | MANZANITA, OR | CGICR | Serious (1) | substantial |
The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the go-around…The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the go-around attempt. Factors contributing to the accident are gusty crosswinds. |
| Mar 10, 1995 | SMYRNA, TN | N4383Q | Serious (1) | — |
THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S FAILURE TO ENSURE THAT THE MAGNETOS WERE NOT ENERGIZED PRIOR TO POSITIONING THE PROPELLER, AND THE DUAL STUDENT'S FAILURE TO P…THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S FAILURE TO ENSURE THAT THE MAGNETOS WERE NOT ENERGIZED PRIOR TO POSITIONING THE PROPELLER, AND THE DUAL STUDENT'S FAILURE TO PLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION AFTER THE FIRST START ATTEMPT. |
| Sep 05, 1988 | LEAVENWORTH, WA | N2811Q | Serious (1) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Jul 14, 1988 | MICHIE, TN | N19632 | Serious (1) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Jul 15, 1986 | WESTERLY, RI | N4301Q | Serious (1) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Apr 08, 1986 | CHARLOTTE, NC | N2851Q | Serious (1) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Mar 21, 1985 | BRIGHTON, MI | N2839Q | Serious (1) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Oct 19, 1984 | WESTMORELAND, CA | N3890Q | Serious (1) | destroyed | Investigation pending |