Cessna 172S Safety Record

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

410

All Events

310

Incidents

35

Minor

16

Serious

45

Fatal (80 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Nov 19, 2024 Chattanooga, TN N951JA Minor substantial Investigation pending
May 26, 2024 Pierson, FL N1254D Minor substantial
The flight instructor’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a runway excursion during landing…

The flight instructor’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a runway excursion during landing.

Nov 10, 2023 Orlando, FL N91PF Minor substantial A partial loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.
Sep 10, 2021 LaSalle, CO N2099J Minor substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Mar 23, 2021 Everett, WA N2164Z Minor substantial A total loss of engine power during climb, for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
Jun 26, 2018 Phoenix, AZ N154ME Minor substantial A total loss of engine power due to crankshaft failure as the result of a subsurface fatigue crack.
Aug 09, 2017 Wellston, OH N5274Q Minor substantial The failure of a connecting rod small end bushing, which resulted in a loss of engine power.
Jul 31, 2017 Seattle, WA N957TA Minor substantial
The total loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of the loose right magneto, which allowed oil to escape and the engine to seize. Cont…

The total loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of the loose right magneto, which allowed oil to escape and the engine to seize. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance, which failed to identify the loose magneto bolt.

Nov 08, 2015 San Jose, CA N21679 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll at night, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Oct 05, 2014 Sedona, AZ N2179L Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the landing roll out.
Jun 29, 2014 Orlando, FL N775SP Minor substantial The flight instructor's failure to maintain control while taxiing in a strong gusty wind.
Feb 17, 2014 Caldwell, NJ N426SP Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
Jul 05, 2013 Monroe, WA N686SP Minor substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action that resulted…

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action that resulted in a runway excursion.

Nov 03, 2012 Roanoke, TX N985GE Minor substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles on the runway approach path. Contributing to the accident was the airport management'…

The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles on the runway approach path. Contributing to the accident was the airport management's decision to relocate the runway displaced threshold, which did not provide an adequate safety margin for approaching aircraft, and the automobile driver's inadequate lookout for approaching aircraft before crossing the runway's approach path.

Aug 03, 2012 Culpeper, VA N6276Z Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during an attempted takeoff.
Jun 30, 2012 Glenwood Springs, CO N917SA Minor substantial
The pilot's decision to fly into a mountainous area where conditions were such that the airplane was unable to climb above rising terrain. Contributin…

The pilot's decision to fly into a mountainous area where conditions were such that the airplane was unable to climb above rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's insufficient pilot-in-command experience and inadequate training in mountain flying.

Sep 26, 2011 Phoenix, AZ N169ME Minor substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout.
Aug 02, 2011 Syracuse, UT N235GW Minor substantial
The failure of the maintenance technicians who installed the engine to properly tighten the fuel injection servo to a spider supply line, which caused…

The failure of the maintenance technicians who installed the engine to properly tighten the fuel injection servo to a spider supply line, which caused a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Oct 17, 2009 Honolulu, HI N5329L Minor substantial The student pilot's distraction and subsequent loss of airplane control after the cabin window opened during the takeoff roll.
Sep 13, 2009 Park Rapids, MN N523ND Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate during a night takeoff.
Jul 14, 2009 Boyd, TX N2446F Minor substantial A total loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper leaning procedures, resulting in a forced landing and collision with a fence.
Nov 19, 2008 Groton, CT N2337F Minor substantial
The student pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent profile to avoid trees during the night visual approach and the flight instructor’s inadequat…

The student pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent profile to avoid trees during the night visual approach and the flight instructor’s inadequate oversight.

Jul 26, 2008 Stevensville, MD N331ME Minor substantial The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action following the student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Jun 02, 2007 Wendover, UT N65755 Minor destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
May 05, 2007 Montgomery, NY N12152 Minor substantial The pilot's improper flare while landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and collision with terrain.
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 172S For Sale All Cessna Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data
View 34 Cessna 172S for sale ↓