# Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna 172K 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 · 98 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB WPR25FA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA182.md): Cessna 172 · Billings, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jun 19, 2025 · N79306 · Substantial damage > On June 19, 2025, at 1412 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172K airplane, N79306, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Billings, Montana. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations… - [NTSB CEN20WA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA011.md): Cessna 172 · San Salvador, El Salvador · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Oct 19, 2019 · N7381G · Destroyed - [NTSB CEN15FAMS1](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FAMS1.md): Cessna 172K · Lake Pontchartrain, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Nov 13, 2014 · N46707 · Destroyed > The airplane's collision with water for reasons that could not be determined because the wreckage was not located. - [NTSB ERA14FA428](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA428.md): Cessna 172 · Selkirk, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2014 · N79438 · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. - [NTSB WPR14FA302](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA302.md): Cessna 172K · Littlefield, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2014 · N84754 · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when the airplane encountered high gusting wind while conducting low altitude flight in a narrow canyon, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain. - [NTSB WPR14FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA078.md): Cessna 172K · Fresno, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 2013 · N251JM · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees while on approach, which subsequently led to a loss of airplane control. Also causal was the pilot’s continued operation of the airplane at night with a diagnosed medical condition that degraded… - [NTSB ERA13LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA281.md): Cessna 172K · Newton, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2013 · N7045G · Substantial damage > The student pilot's failure to increase engine power during the descent for landing when instructed to do so by the flight instructor and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in collision with a static wire. Contributing to the… - [NTSB ERA13FA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA062.md): Cessna 172K · Savannah, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2012 · N78304 · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while operating in night, instrument meteorological conditions, due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB ERA10FA502](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA502.md): Cessna 172 · Chatsworth, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 2010 · N84249 · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate flight planning and in-flight fuel management resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the operator's failure to ensure aircraft records pertaining to engine modifications and… - [NTSB LAX08FA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA256.md): Cessna 172K · Gearhart, OR · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 2008 · N828CC · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb after takeoff due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB CHI08LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08LA101.md): Cessna 172K · Roseglen, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2008 · N7490G · Substantial damage > The pilot failed to maintain obstacle clearance from the TV antenna during a low altitude maneuver. Contributing factors were the antenna, the night conditions, and pilot impairment due to alcohol. - [NTSB ATL07FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07FA038.md): Cessna 172K · Bessemer, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 2007 · N7109G · Substantial damage > The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB LAX04FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA096.md): Cessna 172K · Grass Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 20, 2004 · N99LR · Destroyed > the pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain an adequate terrain/object clearance altitude. Also causal was the pilot's improper in-flight decision to return to the origin airport in the face of… - [NTSB FTW04FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04FA045.md): Cessna 172K · Grand Saline, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 2003 · N78189 · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while on final approach. Factors were the high winds and prevailing crosswind. - [NTSB DEN02FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02FA084.md): Cessna 172K · Greeley, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 2002 · N7383G · Destroyed > the student pilot's improper handling of the airplane's controls (for reason undetermined), and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor. A contributing factor was the high density altitude weather condition. - [NTSB DEN02FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02FA017.md): Cessna 172K · Boulder, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 5, 2002 · N78035 · Destroyed > the pilot's intentional suicidal flight into terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's psychological depressive state, and his use of inappropriate medication. - [NTSB CHI01FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01FA064.md): Cessna 172K · Martinsville, IN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 13, 2001 · N46628 · Destroyed > The pilots decision not to fly to the alternate airport, his decision to continue the flight in known adverse weather conditions, spatial disorientation by the pilot, and his failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were the low ceilings, the dark night,… - [NTSB MIA00FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA00FA103.md): Cessna 172K · Sarasota, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2000 · N79960 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > The failure of the supervisor/ground controller and the local controller to provide effective separation between the accident airplanes on the runway, resulting in a collision during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and… - [NTSB NYC99FA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA107.md): Cessna 172K · Shirley, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 8, 1999 · N7068G · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of control of the airplane due to intoxication. A factor was the pilot's self-induced pressure to conduct the flight. - [NTSB NYC98FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA063.md): Cessna 172K · Boxborough, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 1998 · N79588 · Destroyed > The failure of the pilot to remove the frost on the wings before departure, which resulted in a stall - [NTSB LAX97FA331](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA331.md): Cessna 172K · Sandy Valley, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1997 · N84621 · Destroyed > the pilot's intentional VFR flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous/hilly terrain. Related factors were: the high/mountainous/hilly terrain, and the adverse weather condition (low… - [NTSB MIA97WA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97WA220.md): Cessna 172K · Normans Cay, Bahamas · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 28, 1997 · N84653 · Destroyed - [NTSB LAX95FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95FA037.md): Cessna 172K · Springerville, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1994 · N7178G · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. The pilot's diverted attention and overconfidence in the aircraft's ability to fly slow were factors in this accident. - [NTSB SEA94FA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94FA225.md): Cessna 172K · Laramie, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 1994 · N79444 · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Downdraft wind on the lee side of the ridgeline was a factor. - [NTSB SEA94FA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94FA182.md): Cessna 172K · Patos Island, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1994 · N7417G · Substantial damage > The pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs (marijuana), and his improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from trees, while taking off toward the closed end of a cove. - [NTSB SEA94FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94FA018.md): Cessna 172K · North Bend, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 22, 1993 · N79405 · Destroyed > Loss of control while in flight due to pilot incapacitation from atherosclerotic heart disease. - [NTSB LAX93FA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93FA110.md): Cessna 172K · Gorman, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 1993 · N79411 · Destroyed > The pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions - [NTSB MIA92FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92FA158.md): Cessna 172K · Rockledge, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 1992 · N1196M · Destroyed > Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience in the type operation, lack of experience at the airport in the type… - [NTSB SEA90FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90FA091.md): Cessna 172K · Tacoma, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 1990 · N79931 · Destroyed > The pilot did not adequately maintain a proper glide path for landing which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree. - [NTSB MIA90FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90FA118.md): Cessna 172K · Mayaguez, PR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 10, 1990 · N7268G · Destroyed > The pilot's failue to conduct proper preflight preparations, resulting in a takeoff at 175 pounds over maximum allowable gross weight, with full flaps extended, and on the improper runway for wind conditions which resulted in the airplane being unable to… - [NTSB DEN89FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA083.md): Craven'S Quickie Q2 · Watkins, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 1989 · N3278C · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > Failure of both pilot's to maintain visual lookout. - [NTSB NYC88FA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88FA218.md): Cessna 172K · Island Falls, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 1988 · N1183M · Destroyed > Pilot's poor in-inflight decisions and planning and failed to follow ATC directives to maintain VFR. The pilot continued VFR into IFR conditions and collided with hilly terrain. - [NTSB CHI86FA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FA174.md): Cessna 172K · Random Lake, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 1986 · N79069 · Destroyed > The acft lost pwr on final apprch and crashed into a swamp. Post accident investigation revealed that the eng camshaft was worn reducing the pwr output of the powerplant. - [NTSB ATL83FA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83FA238.md): Cessna 172K · Millhaven, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 1983 · N78160 · Substantial damage > The plt & his son took off at night to participate in the search for a downed acft. Subsequently, they found the burning wreckage of the downed plane. They saw people moving around the accident scene & made a pass over it by diving with the landing light on.… - [NTSB MKC83FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83FA025.md): Cessna 172K · Oxford, NE · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1982 · N79173 · Destroyed > The pilot made 3 low passes near his son's home. Reportedly, the 3rd pass was made at an altitude of about 40 to 50 ft AGL. A witness then observed the pilot pull up abruptly to about a 45 deg climb. After climbing an additional 40 to 50 ft, the aircraft… - [NTSB LAX82FA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA167.md): Cessna 172 · Morman Lake, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 10, 1982 · N78810 · Destroyed > The acft departed winslow, AZ on a flt to long beach, CA with an en route stop scheduled for prescot, AZ. Before departing winslow, the plt was warned by another plt that he had encountered extreme turbulence in the vicinity of mormon mtn. The plt and pax's… - [NTSB LAX82FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA078.md): Cessna 172K · Hollister, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 1982 · N99WM · Destroyed > The aircraft flew into the side of a mountain in level cruise. The accident happened during weather in which VFR flight had not been recommended. Clouds were obscuring the mountains. The aircraft was on the return leg of a cross-country flight. No flight plan… - [NTSB NYC80FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC80FA060.md): Cessna 172 · Rockland, ME · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Mar 16, 1980 · N707BB · Destroyed - [NTSB DEN79FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN79FA037.md): Cessna 172 · Centennial, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · May 4, 1979 · N3047V · Destroyed - [NTSB FTW79FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79FA028-201217.md): Cessna 172K · Austin, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Dec 19, 1978 · N79029 · Destroyed - [NTSB FTW79FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79FA004.md): Cessna 172K · New Orleans, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 15, 1978 · N7500G · Destroyed - [NTSB CHI78FA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI78FA065.md): Cessna 172K · Mackinaw City, MI · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Sep 10, 1978 · N84380 · Destroyed - [NTSB OAK78FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK78FA004.md): Cessna 172K · Willits, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Nov 4, 1977 · N7330G · Destroyed - [NTSB SEA77FA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA77FA052.md): Cessna 172K · Skykomish, WA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Sep 16, 1977 · N78597 · Destroyed - [NTSB NYC77FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC77FA059.md): Cessna 172K · Flushing, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · May 22, 1977 · N217NY · Destroyed - [NTSB IAD76AI092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD76AI092.md): Cessna 172K · Bryson City, NC · Accident · 5 fatal · Closed · Aug 9, 1976 · N78479 · Destroyed - [NTSB SEA76AS049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA76AS049.md): Cessna 172K · Weiser, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · May 21, 1976 · N7148G · Destroyed - [NTSB NYC76AN077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC76AN077.md): Cessna 172K · Burlington, VT · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Feb 11, 1976 · N79285 · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD76AI017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD76AI017.md): Cessna 172K · Parkersburg, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 20, 1975 · N7272G · Destroyed - [NTSB MIA75AM069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA75AM069.md): Cessna 172K · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean) · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Mar 15, 1975 · N7196G · Destroyed Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2072430&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 ('2072430')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=2072430 --- 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.