Cessna 320 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 89 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

89

All Events

41

Incidents

7

Minor

7

Serious

34

Fatal (81 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jul 01, 2020 Round Rock, TX N19AS Fatal (1) destroyed
Improper maintenance that led to a loss of engine power due to a failed left engine magneto, the pilot’s improper application of single engine emergen…

Improper maintenance that led to a loss of engine power due to a failed left engine magneto, the pilot’s improper application of single engine emergency procedures, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a collision with trees.

Jun 28, 2018 Eagle Mountain, UT N320MF Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and the airplane experiencing an aerodynamic stall at too low an altitude to recover…

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and the airplane experiencing an aerodynamic stall at too low an altitude to recover.

Jun 15, 2016 Creede, CO N777GY Fatal (3) destroyed
The pilot's loss of airplane control during descent following a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident exa…

The pilot's loss of airplane control during descent following a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations and engine test-runs of both engines revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Nov 01, 2012 San Marcos, TX N10PM Fatal (1) substantial
The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a los…

The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.

Apr 12, 2012 Green River, WY N32EG Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in marginal weather conditions, which resulted in an exceedence of the design stres…

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in marginal weather conditions, which resulted in an exceedence of the design stress limits of the airplane and a subsequent in-flight structural failure.

Apr 24, 2011 Lake Heron, NM N320AZ Fatal (1) substantial The pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while conducting a flight at low altitude in instrument meteorological conditions.
May 23, 2009 Fallon, NV N320KP Fatal (4) substantial The pilot’s inadequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Sep 28, 2008 Collinsville, OK N4165T Fatal (2) substantial The crews' failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall close to the ground.
Jul 16, 2006 Wimauma, FL N227DG Fatal (1) destroyed Pilot's inadequate preflight planning and exceeding the weight and balance limitations of the airplane.
Apr 17, 2003 Mazama, WA N4178T Fatal (2) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering. Mountainous terrain, trees and mountain obscuration were factors.
Mar 16, 2003 Perry, GA N4137T Fatal (1) substantial The pilot continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/terrain clearance.
Oct 14, 2000 ENSENADA, MX N269WP Fatal (6) Investigation pending
Sep 19, 1996 WACO, TX N3020T Fatal (1) destroyed
VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from the terrain. Fac…

VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: inadequate preflight by the pilot, his failure to obtain a weather briefing, darkness, adverse weather conditions, lack of fuel to proceed to an alternate destination, pressure induced on the pilot by an urgent need to get to a real estate license renewal class, and pilot anxiety/depression.

Jun 03, 1996 WINSLOW, ME N78KA Fatal (1) destroyed
the pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions, and his loss of aircraft control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into t…

the pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions, and his loss of aircraft control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain (river). The known icing condition was a related factor.

May 15, 1996 PROVO, UT N600JR Fatal (2) destroyed
A fuel leak most probably ignited by hot exhaust gases from the leaking right engine manifold exhaust system, the decision by the pilots to operate th…

A fuel leak most probably ignited by hot exhaust gases from the leaking right engine manifold exhaust system, the decision by the pilots to operate the aircraft with knowledge of the fuel leak, and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the lake surface.

Aug 16, 1994 WAYNESBORO, PA N85WM Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/spin and his lack of qualification to conduct flight in type aircraft. A …

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/spin and his lack of qualification to conduct flight in type aircraft. A factor is the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

May 28, 1994 BATTLE MOUNTAIN, NV N3472Q Fatal (2) destroyed THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TERRAIN CLEARANCE WHILE MANEUVERING DURING A LOW LEVEL AERIAL MAPPING FLIGHT. A FACTOR WAS THE BOX CANYON.
Feb 09, 1994 GOSHEN, IN N618X Fatal (1) substantial
the pilot-in-command's continued operation with known deficiencies in equipment. Factors were ice on the windshield and the pilot-in-commands visual …

the pilot-in-command's continued operation with known deficiencies in equipment. Factors were ice on the windshield and the pilot-in-commands visual outlook not possible.

Mar 13, 1991 GORMAN, CA N3302Q Fatal (3) destroyed
VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC) BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE FROM MOUNTAINOUS TE…

VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC) BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE FROM MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE TERRAIN AND WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Aug 30, 1990 CENTER, TX N377S Fatal (1) destroyed
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM CONTROL SPEED (VMC) AND LACK OF QUALIFICATION/TRAINING IN MULTI-ENGINE AIRCRAFT, WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF AIR…

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM CONTROL SPEED (VMC) AND LACK OF QUALIFICATION/TRAINING IN MULTI-ENGINE AIRCRAFT, WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: FAILURE OF THE LEFT ENGINE TURBOCHARGER, WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER IN THE LEFT ENGINE.

Oct 28, 1989 NEBRASKA CITY, NE N5725X Fatal (2) destroyed
THE PILOT'S DECISION TO CONTINUE THE FLIGHT INTO IFR CONDITIONS AND THE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALITTUDE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE TH…

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO CONTINUE THE FLIGHT INTO IFR CONDITIONS AND THE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALITTUDE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S OVER CONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY AND THE LACK OF INSTRUMENT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE.

Feb 17, 1989 MELROSE, FL N3488Q Fatal (2) destroyed THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPLY PROMPTLY WITH ATC INSTRUCTIONS AND HIS LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION.
Jul 07, 1988 ATWOOD, KS N320DB Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 04, 1988 MAMMOTH LAKES, CA N9HS Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
May 18, 1986 VAN NUYS, CA N320SD Fatal (6) destroyed 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.
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