# Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna 172F

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 2 · 73 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR25FA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA294.md): Cessna 172F · Battle Ground, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Sep 26, 2025 · N8219U · Destroyed
  > On September 26, 2025, about 1306, Pacific daylight time a Cessna 172F, N8219U, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Battle Ground, Washington. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB CEN24FA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA305.md): Cessna 172F · Brazoria, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 6, 2024 · N7905U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to attain adequate airspeed for takeoff, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff after not maintaining directional…
- [NTSB WPR22FA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA188.md): Cessna 172F · Show Low, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 26, 2022 · N5532R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper leaning of the engine during an extended period of time, which caused an exhaust valve to become stuck and led to the partial loss of engine power during the accident flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to…
- [NTSB CEN18FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA088.md): Cessna 172F · Williamsport, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 27, 2018 · N8559U · Destroyed
  > The pilot's mismanagement of fuel, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and descent and collision with trees.
- [NTSB WPR16LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA138.md): Cessna 172 · Brookings, OR · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2016 · N7870U · Destroyed
  > The pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of situational awareness during the departure turn in dark night conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water.
- [NTSB ERA09LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA132.md): Cessna 172 · Hardin, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2009 · N28RP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and his impairment from illegal drug use.
- [NTSB CHI06FA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06FA184.md): Cessna 172F · Brookville, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2006 · N8829U · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight loss of engine power during cruise flight due to restricted fuel flow and the inadequate preflight the pilot performed. An additional cause was the trees.
- [NTSB DFW05FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05FA082.md): Cessna 172F · Hot Springs, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2005 · N8382U · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the pilot's failure to refuel resulting in fuel starvation. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing, and a shoulder harness restraint system was not installed.
- [NTSB ATL04FA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL04FA130.md): Cessna 172F · Madisonville, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2004 · N8777U · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering on a touch and go landing resulting in a stall and collision with the ground.
- [NTSB LAX01FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01FA070.md): Cessna 172F · San Luis Obispo, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 7, 2001 · N383CA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate to VFR conditions on-top.
- [NTSB CHI99FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99FA042.md): Cessna 172F · Coleman, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 29, 1998 · N72RE · Destroyed
  > pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees and his intentional flight into IMC conditions. Factors contributing to this accident were the pilot's lack of instrument certification, his becoming lost in the poor weather, his inadequate preparation for…
- [NTSB NYC97FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA048.md): Cessna 172F · Conrad, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 1997 · N8835U · Destroyed
  > VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and spatial disorientation of the pilot, which led to loss of aircraft control, an uncontrolled descent, and subsequent collision with wooded terrain. Factors relating to the accident…
- [NTSB CHI96FA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96FA348.md): Cessna 172F · Saint Clair, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 1996 · N5373R · Destroyed
  > a loss of power due to the engine's #2 cylinder exhaust valve stuck open, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.
- [NTSB BFO95FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO95FA050.md): Cessna 172F · Tappahanock, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 1995 · N5238F · Destroyed
  > The student pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed during the approach to land, and her failure to go around while there was still sufficient runway remaining. Factors related to the accident were: inadequate supervision by the flight instructor, the student's…
- [NTSB ATL95FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL95FA079.md): Cessna 172F · Seneca, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 9, 1995 · N8197U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while maneuvering near utility lines, which resulted in a collision with the wires.
- [NTSB CHI93FA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93FA218.md): Cessna 172F · Miami, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 1993 · N5461R · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.
- [NTSB ATL89FA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA163.md): Cessna 172F · Vernon, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1989 · N7939U · Substantial damage
  > Improper maintenance of the spark plugs by the pilot/mechanic which resulted in a partial loss of engine power, and the pilot's failure to clear trees during an emergency landing in an open field resulting in an inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB LAX89FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA113.md): Cessna 172F · Safford, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 1989 · N8492U · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain proper airspeed while on final approach resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed use of wing flaps.
- [NTSB ATL84FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84FA033.md): Cessna 172F · Brunswick, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 1983 · N5236F · Destroyed
  > The acft was observed entering a cloud layer about 500 ft AGL after takeoff. Another witness observed the acft's navigational lights in a circling motion as the acft plunged to the ground.
- [NTSB FTW83FA362](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FA362.md): Cessna 172F · El Paso, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 1983 · N5259F · Destroyed
  > Two plts & 2 passengers departed san angelo, TX, on a x-country flt, one of the plts, who had 95 hrs of flying time, was the pilot-in-command (PIC) for the 1st leg of the x-country to El Paso, TX. On the next leg, the other plt assumed duties as PIC & signed…
- [NTSB ATL83FIG03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83FIG03.md): Cessna 172F · Hancock, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jan 2, 1983 · N8515U · Substantial damage
  > The aircraft collided with the top two wires of a powerline during a low altitude sight-seeing flight along the potomac river. The pilot stated he was maintaining visual contact with the ground should an emergency landing become necessary. He was staying high…
- [NTSB SEA82FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA82FA111.md): Cessna 172F · Oxbow, OR · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 1982 · N8230U · Destroyed
  > During the final approach the aircraft was observed to descend to approximately 50 feet above the river and then execute a pullup and begin a left turn to either reenter a left downwind or reverse the direction of landing. The pilot lost control, the left…
- [NTSB ATL82FA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82FA109.md): Cessna 172F · Wolf Pen, WV · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Jul 20, 1981 · N8391U · Destroyed
- [NTSB ATL81FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL81FA075.md): Cessna 172 · Rocky Face, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · May 21, 1981 · N5414R · Destroyed
- [NTSB NYC79FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC79FA012.md): Cessna 172F · Mcadoo, PA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Nov 23, 1978 · N5170F · Substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN77FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN77FA054.md): Cessna 172 · Nsalina, UT · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Aug 17, 1977 · N7985U · Destroyed
- [NTSB NYC77FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC77FA075.md): Cessna 172 · Mayfield, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jul 31, 1977 · N5676R · Substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI77FA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI77FA061.md): Cessna 172F · Grand Rapids, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jul 30, 1977 · N5606R · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC77FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC77FA027.md): Cessna 172 · Cedar Rapids, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jun 18, 1977 · N5172F · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW76FPM22](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW76FPM22.md): Cessna 172F · Jenks, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · May 14, 1976 · N8656U · No damage
- [NTSB CHI76AC034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI76AC034.md): Piper PA-28 · Salem, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 26, 1975 · N5394L · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI75ACO57](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI75ACO57.md): Cessna 172F · Wilmington, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Feb 16, 1975 · N8466U · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX75AL023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX75AL023.md): Cessna 172F · Lebec, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 26, 1974 · N8275U · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI75AC015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI75AC015.md): Cessna 172F · Mayview, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Aug 11, 1974 · N5533R · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX74AL035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX74AL035.md): Cessna 172F · Kingman, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 8, 1973 · N1FH · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK74AP012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK74AP012.md): Cessna 172F · Weaverville, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Sep 25, 1973 · N7858U · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI74AC003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI74AC003.md): Cessna 172F · No.Webster, IN · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Jul 4, 1973 · N5526R · Destroyed
- [NTSB IAD73AI005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD73AI005.md): Cessna 172F · Mcclellanville, SC · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Mar 9, 1973 · N5310R · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW73AF032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW73AF032.md): Cessna 172F · Cleveland, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 20, 1972 · N8589U · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX73AL014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX73AL014.md): Cessna 172F · Salome, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 3, 1972 · N8342U · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI72FEG41](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI72FEG41.md): Cessna 172F · So.Webster, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jun 17, 1972 · N5494R · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC72AK054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC72AK054.md): Cessna 172F · Sioux Falls, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Mar 8, 1972 · N8150U · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX72AL050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX72AL050.md): Cessna 172F · Missing Aircraft · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Feb 29, 1972 · N8744U · Destroyed
- [NTSB MIA72FKJ36](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA72FKJ36.md): Cessna 172F · Oneonta, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 24, 1971 · N7856U · Destroyed
- [NTSB NYC72AN049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC72AN049.md): Cessna 172L · Meyerstown, PA · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Oct 8, 1971 · N7527G · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW72AF017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW72AF017.md): Cessna 172F · Boerne, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 22, 1971 · N5510R · Destroyed
- [NTSB DEN72AD014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN72AD014.md): Cessna 172F · Capitan, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 18, 1971 · N5552R · Destroyed
- [NTSB NYC70AN065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC70AN065.md): Cessna 172 · Missing Aircraft · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jan 3, 1970 · N7829U · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW70F0104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW70F0104.md): Cessna 172F · Brinkley, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jun 28, 1969 · N5534R · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC69A0042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC69A0042.md): Cessna 172F · Kennett, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 27, 1968 · N7878U · Destroyed

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2072414&fatal=1&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072414'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=2072414

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OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.