Cessna 172C — registry & accident history
Compiled from FAA & NTSB records · as of Jul 18, 2026
There are 634 Cessna 172C airframes on record (built 1941–1965), 362 currently registered. 20 have one or more NTSB accident records (20 records total, 2 with a fatal highest-injury classification). Data as of Jul 18, 2026.
Recent Cessna 172C accidents
The mechanic’s incorrect installation of the oil temperature gauge probe in the oil filter adapter and failure to test run the engine for oil leaks after the installation, which resulted in a total loss of oil and the pilot’s decision to perform a precautionary landing. Contributing was the pilot’s long/fast landing, which resulted in a runway overrun.
The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing.
The pilot’s failure to correctly reinstall the airplane’s left seat, resulting in the movement of the seat during the takeoff roll, and the subsequent loss of control and runway excursion.
The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat before reducing engine power during a prolonged descent while operating in environmental conditions conducive to the development of carburetor ice, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
A total loss of engine power due to failure of the magnetos, which were not overhauled in accordance with the manufacturer’s time specifications.
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.