How many accidents has the Cessna 172S had?

The NTSB has recorded 410 events involving the Cessna 172S: 45 fatal, 16 serious, 35 minor injuries, and 310 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 172S a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 172S has 410 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 172S Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 410 events recorded from 1999 to 2025.

410

All Events

310

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (80 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Mar 23, 2015	Camarillo, CA	N2104H	Incident	substantial	The pilot involved and the phase of flight when the damage occurred were not determined.
Mar 07, 2015	Richmond, VA	N144ME	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's inadequate landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage to the airplane.
Nov 12, 2014	Sarasota, FL	N60155	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the engin… The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the engine firewall. The student pilot's lack of overall flying experience was a factor.
Oct 26, 2014	Santa Monica, CA	N353MV	Incident	substantial	The separation of a section of a propeller blade due to fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to comply with the m… The separation of a section of a propeller blade due to fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to comply with the manufacturer’s maintenance and inspection instructions.
Sep 14, 2014	Naples, FL	N21670	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to la… The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to land due to the deteriorating weather conditions.
Aug 16, 2014	Santa Ynez, CA	N10033	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's inadequate flare and loss of aircraft control during landing, which resulted in multiple bounces.
Jun 25, 2014	Knox, IN	N1307C	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's use of excessive back pressure on the flight controls during an attempted go around that induced a stall and loss of control.
May 23, 2014	Harrisburg, PA	N193ME	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions during landing, which resulted in a hard landing.
May 09, 2014	Deland, FL	N493ER	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student … The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot resulting in abnormal runway contact and damage to the airplane.
Apr 10, 2014	Everett, WA	N1152Z	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a takeoff, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway surface and colliding with… The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a takeoff, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway surface and colliding with a sign.
Apr 08, 2014	Albuquerque, NM	N5306U	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's improper flare that resulted in a bounced landing.
Feb 15, 2014	Mansfield, MA	N2143X	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate approach glide path, which resulted in a collision with a snow bank.
Jan 27, 2014	Immokalee, FL	N21670	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Dec 24, 2013	Miami, FL	N17223	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper flare during a gusty, crosswind landing.
Nov 16, 2013	St. Augustine, FL	N873EF	Incident	substantial	The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a crosswind.
Sep 01, 2013	Deer Valley, AZ	N2134M	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's inadequate flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-a… The student pilot's inadequate flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's improper go-around procedures.
Aug 29, 2013	Fort Lauderdale, FL	N6065P	Incident	substantial	The student pilot’s failure to apply power to go-around following a bounced landing resulting in abnormal runway contact and collapse of the nose land… The student pilot’s failure to apply power to go-around following a bounced landing resulting in abnormal runway contact and collapse of the nose landing gear.
Aug 22, 2013	Manassas, VA	N740SP	Incident	substantial	The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Aug 21, 2013	Indianapolis, IN	N45EF	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate monitoring on the airplane's airspeed during the go-around, resulting in a stall.
Aug 18, 2013	Middletown, DE	N647SP	Incident	substantial	The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Aug 10, 2013	Prescott, AZ	N544ER	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aug 03, 2013	Portsmouth, NH	N645PD	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection resulting in his failure to remove the pin he used to lock the flight controls in place of the approved co… The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection resulting in his failure to remove the pin he used to lock the flight controls in place of the approved control lock.
Jul 22, 2013	New Smyrna Beach, FL	N121CW	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's improper landing flare and subsequent inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Jul 17, 2013	Santa Barbra, CA	N971TA	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jul 15, 2013	Redlands, CA	N625SP	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's improper flare and unsuccessful attempt to correct a bounced landing, which resulted in the overrun landing.

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 172S Safety Record

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