# Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna 172N

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 6 · 258 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26FA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA330.md): Cessna 172N · San Diego, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Sep 8, 2026 · N734ZK · Destroyed
  > On September 7, 2026, about 1720 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N734ZK, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near San Diego, California. The flight instructor and student pilot were fatally injured. The airplane was being operated as a…
- [NTSB CEN26FA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26FA192.md): Cessna 172N · Westerly, RI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 18, 2026 · N733CP · Substantial damage
  > On May 18, 2026, about 1205 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N733CP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Westerly, Rhode Island. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB ERA26FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA084.md): Cessna 172 · Provincetown, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jan 4, 2026 · N9360E · Substantial damage
  > On January 4, 2026, at 1504 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N9360E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Provincetown, Massachusetts. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…
- [NTSB CEN26FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26FA051.md): Cessna 172N · New Orleans, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Nov 25, 2025 · N80FP · Destroyed
  > On November 24, 2025, at 1824 central standard time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N80FP, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near New Orleans, Louisiana. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction were fatally injured. The flight was…
- [NTSB ERA24FA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA292.md): Cessna 172N · Lock Haven, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 4, 2024 · N739GV · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s premature turn to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB ERA24FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA096.md): Cessna 172 · Weston, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 23, 2024 · N737VC · Substantial damage
  > The pilots’ spatial disorientation in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in their failure to maintain altitude and a subsequent descent and impact with a swamp.
- [NTSB WPR23FA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA258.md): Cessna 172N · San Rafael, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 9, 2023 · N4922G · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing as a result of the pilot’s failure to activate the carburetor heat in a timely manner during the descent.
- [NTSB WPR23FA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA247.md): Cessna 172N · Murrieta, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 4, 2023 · N5243E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot’s sudden retraction of the flaps.
- [NTSB ERA23FA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA200.md): Cessna 172 · London, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 18, 2023 · N734GB · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.
- [NTSB ERA22FA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA318.md): Piper PA-46-350P · North Las Vegas, NV · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 17, 2022 · N97CX · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The low-wing airplane pilot’s failure to ensure that the airplane was aligned with the correct runway, which resulted in a collision with the high-wing airplane on final approach. Contributing to the accident was the controller’s failure to provide timely and…
- [NTSB CEN22FA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA197.md): Cessna 172 · Broomfield, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 11, 2022 · N73670 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB WPR20LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA212.md): Cessna 172 · Lake Tahoe, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 7, 2020 · N6328D · Destroyed
  > The partial loss of engine power due to carbon buildup in the No. 4 cylinder resulting from the pilot’s inadequate mixture-leaning procedures.
- [NTSB ERA19FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA161.md): Cessna 172 · Tyrone, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 1, 2019 · N733KZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into trees and terrain.
- [NTSB ERA18FA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA194.md): Piper PA34 · Miami, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2018 · N16281 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The failure of both pilots in both airplanes to see and avoid the other airplane as they converged nearly head-on at the same altitude.
- [NTSB CEN18FA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA227.md): Cessna 172N · Rotan, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2018 · N734BS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's reckless decision to conduct low-level flight over a canyon, resulting in the airplane's impact with power lines and terrain.
- [NTSB CEN18FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA024.md): Cessna 172N · Hatch, NM · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 4, 2017 · N251CH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB WPR17FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA196.md): Cessna 172N · Bolinas, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2017 · N737QQ · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated private pilot's improper decision to embark on a flight and continue to fly into forecasted instrument meteorological conditions and mountain obscuration while conducting a visual flight rules flight.
- [NTSB WPR17FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA171.md): Cessna 172N · Big Bear, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2017 · N5381J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR17FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA023.md): Cessna 172N · Moss Beach, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2016 · N6610D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control following an encounter with low level wind shear and turbulence during final approach for landing. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot's decision to retract the wing flaps on final approach, which resulted in…
- [NTSB ERA17WA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17WA049.md): Cessna 172N · Kingston, Jamaica · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 10, 2016 · N101KA · Destroyed
  > On November 18, 2016, about 1335 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, United Stated registration N101KA, operated by the Caribbean Aviation Training Centre, was destroyed when it impacted a building in Greenwich Farm, Kingston 13, Jamaica. The pilot and two…
- [NTSB ERA16FA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA309.md): Cessna 172 · Hollywood, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 2016 · N6091E · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight weather planning, which resulted in continued flight into a thunderstorm and a subsequent loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN16FA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA333.md): Cessna 172N · Terre Haute, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 2016 · N17SK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a normal approach path to the runway, which resulted in the airplane colliding with a tree and a house during final approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.
- [NTSB WPR16FAMS1](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FAMS1.md): Cessna 172N · Avalon, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · May 28, 2016 · N739ZE · Destroyed
  > Undetermined because the airplane was not located.
- [NTSB ERA16FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA141.md): Cessna 172N · Charleston, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2016 · N6238D · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to ensure that her seat was properly secured before initiating the takeoff, which resulted in a subsequent loss of control. Contributing was the lack of an installed secondary seat stop.
- [NTSB CEN16FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA083.md): Cessna 172N · Gilmer, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 13, 2016 · N737EZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate traffic pattern altitude and distance from the…
- [NTSB CEN16FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA073.md): Cessna 172N · Wayne, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 4, 2016 · N5104D · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN14FA435](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA435.md): Cessna 172N · Natchitoches, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2014 · N734YW · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to the exhaust valve rocker retaining stud backing out of the cylinder head, which resulted in the exhaust valve being stuck in the closed position. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to configure the…
- [NTSB ERA14LA346](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA346.md): Cessna 172N · Elliott Key, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2014 · N737TP · Destroyed
  > The airplane’s vertical descent into water for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident airplane examinations revealed no mechanical anomalies.
- [NTSB ERA13FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA059.md): Cessna 172N · Owls Head, ME · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 2012 · N6142F · Substantial damage
  > The vehicle driver's failure to verify that the runway was not occupied by an airplane before crossing the runway, which resulted in the vehicle being struck by a departing airplane, and the pilot's continued takeoff with flight control damage, which…
- [NTSB ERA13WA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13WA205.md): Cessna 172N · Acreúna Municipality, Brazil · Accident · 4 fatal · Foreign investigation · Sep 9, 2012 · N1009F · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN12FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA154.md): Cessna 172N · Floresville, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 10, 2012 · N5427J · Substantial damage
  > The medical incapacitation of the pilot due to a sudden cardiac arrhythmia or acute myocardial infarction.
- [NTSB WPR12LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA093.md): Cessna 172N · Fresno, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2012 · N7582D · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to performance-impairing drugs.
- [NTSB WPR10LA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA307.md): Cessna 172N · Angels Camp, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 2010 · N733AS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN10FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA101.md): Cessna 172 · Holland, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 2010 · N8405E · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to take off in known instrument meteorological conditions without instrument currency or recent instrument experience, which led to spatial disorientation resulting in an inadvertent spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack…
- [NTSB WPR09FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA248.md): Cessna 172N · Long Beach, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 19, 2009 · N738NN · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other's aircraft.
- [NTSB WPR09LA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA149.md): Cessna 172N · Oceanside, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2009 · N726RJ · Destroyed
  > A loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX08FA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA246.md): Cessna 172N · McMurray, WA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2008 · N75558 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB SEA08FA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08FA116.md): Cessna 172N · McCall, ID · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 3, 2008 · N75856 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate visual lookout and clearance from another airplane while attempting to land on the same runway. Contributing to the accident was the non-standard pattern entry of the pilot.
- [NTSB LAX08FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA049.md): Cessna 172N · Corona, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 20, 2008 · N737EJ · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane.
- [NTSB DFW08FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08FA040.md): Cessna 172N · Marlow, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 2007 · N6555D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the low altitude for recovery and the gusty tailwind.
- [NTSB NYC07FA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07FA193.md): Cessna 172N · Rochester, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2007 · N738JE · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failuire to maitain adequate airspeed during a turning maneuver which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB CHI07FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07FA140.md): Cessna 172N · Sharonville, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 11, 2007 · N6614D · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The inadequate visual lookout of the pilots in both airplanes and their not maintaining clearance from each others airplane during climb.
- [NTSB LAX07FA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07FA123.md): Cessna 172N · Page, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 9, 2007 · N6267D · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude, and, his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering to reverse course in a box canyon. Contributing to the accident were the rising terrain and the box canyon.
- [NTSB DFW06FA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06FA187.md): Cessna 172N · Petal, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2006 · N738KE · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper use of flaps, which resulted in an impact with trees during takeoff-initial climb.
- [NTSB NYC06LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06LA179.md): Cessna 172N · Pompton Lakes, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2006 · N4792D · Destroyed
  > Improper maintenance of the throttle shaft, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during cruise flight, and subsequent impact with trees during a forced landing.
- [NTSB NYC06FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06FA154.md): Cessna 172N · Newry, ME · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2006 · N572BA · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor's failure to maintain altitude/clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an impact with trees.
- [NTSB ATL05FA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL05FA128.md): Cessna 172N · Penrose, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2005 · N73747 · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use the full length of the runway for takeoff, and the inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB ANC05FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05FA037.md): Cessna 172 · Cedar Key, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2005 · N739NK · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an abrupt maneuver to avoid a power line, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, a loss of control, and subsequent collision…
- [NTSB NYC05LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC05LA033.md): Cessna 172N · Mount Gilead, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2004 · N737AZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions. A factor in the accident was the rapidly deteriorating weather.
- [NTSB NYC05FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC05FA001.md): Cessna 172N · Germantown, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 2004 · N2771J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which led to VFR flight into IMC and his loss of aircraft control. Factors were night and cloud conditions.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2072434&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 ('2072434'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=2072434

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