# Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna 172RG 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. ## Latest cases - [NTSB WPR13FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA211.md): Cessna 172RG · Calabasas, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 29, 2013 · N4677V · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage > The failure of the pilots in both aircraft to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision. - [NTSB LAX06FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06FA106.md): Cessna 172RG · El Cajon, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 9, 2006 · N9531B · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > The pilots of both airplanes failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout due to their relative flight paths, which limited the available visual cues. Factors were the failure of the air traffic controller(s) to issue a conflict alert to the Cessna 172RG… - [NTSB CHI06LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06LA005.md): Cessna 172RG · Union City, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 2005 · N6085R · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to perform a preflight weather evaluation which led to his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his spatial disorientation. The low ceilings and the dark night were contributing factors. - [NTSB LAX05FA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA290.md): Cessna 172RG · Avalon, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2005 · N9636B · Destroyed > an in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB CHI02FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02FA113.md): Cessna 172RG · Marthasville, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 23, 2002 · N5388R · Destroyed > The inadequate supervision and the stall encountered by the certified flight instructor. - [NTSB MIA01FA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA01FA163.md): Cessna 172RG · Waveland, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2001 · N4734R · Destroyed > The incapacitation of the pilot (cardiovascular) resulting in his inability to fly the airplane and subsequent in-flight collision with trees then a house. - [NTSB LAX00FA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA207.md): Cessna 172RG · Prescott, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 27, 2000 · N5207U · Destroyed > The flight instructor's delayed remedial action, and his failure to correct an inappropriate descent during maneuvering flight, while engaged in commercial flight training maneuvers. - [NTSB ANC98FA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98FA061.md): Aerospatiale AS-350-B2 · Juneau, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 31, 1998 · N187EH · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage > The failure of both command pilots to maintain an adequate lookout to see and avoid each other's aircraft. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's failure to follow published advisory procedures to monitor/issue position reports on the… - [NTSB FTW97FA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA181.md): Cessna 172RG · Intracoastal, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 8, 1997 · N6505V · Destroyed > the pilot's decision to fly, when he was not in good physical condition; and his subsequent loss of aircraft control due to incapacitation. A related factor was: the pilot's perception of an urgency (pressure) to fly, induced by conditions/events. - [NTSB LAX97FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA003.md): Cessna 172RG · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 1996 · N6267R · Destroyed > the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, which resulted in an inability to outclimb rising/wooded terrain after takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the pilot to ensure that the aircraft's gross weight was not exceed… - [NTSB NYC96FA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96FA094.md): Cessna 172RG · Duanesburg, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 29, 1996 · N9678B · Destroyed > failure of the pilot to attain adequate airspeed (or abort the takeoff while there was sufficient runway remaining), which resulted in a stall after liftoff and collision with the terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's distraction due to… - [NTSB FTW96FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96FA012.md): Cessna 172RG · Bayfield, CO · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 1995 · N4834V · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. A factor was the pilot diverting attention while looking for game. - [NTSB MIA95FA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95FA174.md): Cessna 172RG · Ft. Lauderdale, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1995 · N9324B · Destroyed > The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed after a momentary loss of engine power during takeoff, resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. The reason for power loss could not be determined. - [NTSB LAX94FA353](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94FA353.md): Cessna 172RG · Truckee, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 1994 · N3745B · Destroyed > Failure of the pilot to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed to climb after takeoff, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground. Factors related to the accident were: high density altitude, improper trim setting for takeoff, the… - [NTSB ATL94FA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL94FA156.md): Cessna 172RG · Atlanta, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 1994 · N9340D · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning in that he operated the aircraft at a weight which exceeded the maximum takeoff weight and his improper use of flaps during takeoff. - [NTSB NYC94FA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94FA119.md): Cessna 172RG · Kiptopeka, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 1994 · N6624R · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > Inadequate visual lookout by the flightcrew of the helicopter. A factor related to the accident was: failure of the departure controller to issue a traffic advisory. - [NTSB FTW94FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94FA101.md): Cessna 172RG · Dulce, NM · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 1994 · N4663V · Destroyed > Failure by the pilot in command to properly plan the flight and calculate performance data. - [NTSB DEN92FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN92FA077.md): Cessna 172RG · Fairplay, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1992 · N4963R · Destroyed > The flight instructor's operation at an altitude insufficient to clear obstacles in rising mountainous terrain. Factors were: high density altitude, diversion of the instructor's attention, and the rising terrain. - [NTSB LAX92LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA228.md): Cessna 172RG · Strawberry, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 1992 · N9645B · Destroyed > The pilot committed suicide due to the pilot's emotional state from interpersonal relations. - [NTSB CHI92FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92FA035.md): Cessna 172RG · Litchfield, MN · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 1991 · N9589B · Destroyed > Pilot factor in that he had spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident are; VFR flight into IMC, disregarding hazardous weather advisories, performing flight into known adverse weather conditions, and overconfidence in personal ability by the… - [NTSB LAX91FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA074.md): Cessna 172RG · Hayward, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 15, 1991 · N9721B · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude. Contributing factors related to the pilot's improper VFR procedures and his misjudged evaluation of the weather in daylight conditions. Additional factors related to the presence of low clouds and to the restricted… - [NTSB LAX91LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA032.md): Cessna 172RG · San Clemente, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 1990 · N5257V · Destroyed > The pilots selection of improper cruise altitude while operating under a low overcast on a dark night. A factor in the accident was fatigue and lack of sleep. - [NTSB BFO90DID01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90DID01.md): Cessna 172RG · Onancock, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Aug 20, 1990 · N6599R · Substantial damage > The inflight loss of control because the pilot experienced spatial disorientation. Other factors related to the accident are VFR flight into IMC, night conditions. - [NTSB BFO90FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90FA054.md): Cessna 172RG · Onego, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 1990 · N5117U · Destroyed > VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain adequate clearance (altitude) from mountainous terrain. The terrain and adverse weather conditions were related factors. - [NTSB DEN90FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90FA017.md): Cessna 172RG · Laramie, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 1989 · N4825V · Destroyed > The loss of control of the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions after the pilot became spatially disoriented. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the vacuum system which rendered the vacuum/gyro instruments inoperative. Also… - [NTSB NYC89FA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA135.md): Cessna 172M · Bradford, VT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 1989 · N1272U · 2 aircraft · Minor damage > Failure of the rated pilots in both aircraft to see and avoid a midair collison. - [NTSB CHI89FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89FA049.md): Cessna 172RG · Mosinee, WI · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 1989 · N6525V · Destroyed > Spatial disorientation of the pilot as a result of initiating the flight into known adverse weather. Factors related to the accident were: dark night, snow, and low ceilings. - [NTSB DEN88FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88FA023.md): Cessna 172RG · Pintura, UT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 7, 1987 · N9447B · Destroyed > Bfr takeoff, the plt was briefed abt lgt to mod rime icing in clds & precip abv the frzg lvl. The frzg lvl was forecast to be at 7000' to 9000' in the area of prescott, sloping downward to the north. The plt did not file a flt plan, but did rcv VFR flt flwg… - [NTSB FTW88FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88FA009.md): Cessna 172RG · Llano, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 1987 · N9875B · Destroyed > The pilot departed lubbock, Texas in VFR conditions. As the flight progressed the ceiling and visibility deteriorated and the pilot encountered instrument meteorological conditions. No evidence was found to indicate that the pilot obtained a weather briefing… - [NTSB LAX88FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA001.md): Cessna 172RG · Calistoga, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1987 · N5234U · Destroyed > Upon arriving over the destination arpt the plt used an incorrect CTAF frequency to contact the arpt and he used a right hand traffic pattern approaching the 2600 foot-long rwy. Because a residential area lay west of the arpt & open fields lay to the east,… - [NTSB SEA87FA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87FA166.md): Cessna 172RG · Kettle Falls, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 1987 · N9747B · Destroyed > While on a local personal flight, plt entered a canyon into rising terrain, colliding first with a tree and then ground near crest. Investigation revealed that acft probably had performance to clear crest had tree not been struck. Circumstances indicate plt… - [NTSB CHI87LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA086.md): Cessna 172RG · Camp Douglas, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 20, 1987 · N4601V · Substantial damage > The passenger rprtd that about 5 min after takeoff, the plt became incapacitated & was no longer able to maintain control of the acft. The non-certificated passenger assumed control. With the assistance (instructions) from an airborne flt instructor & an… - [NTSB MIA85FA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85FA227.md): Cessna 172RG · Cedar Key, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 1985 · N6419R · Destroyed > The manager of the destination arpt said the plt had called earlier in the evening & had asked to be picked up at the arpt. The plt said that he would fly over the manager's house after he arrived. The manager heard the acft fly over from east to west.… - [NTSB MKC85FCQ03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85FCQ03.md): Cessna 172RG · Wichita, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jun 4, 1985 · N7190C · Minor damage > The acft collided with a cushman scooter during taxi. A witness stated that when the scooter driver 'looked up' I saw the acft taxiing, he made a hard rt turn which threw him off. The scooter driver and scooter were struck separately by the acft. The scooter… - [NTSB DEN84FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84FA196.md): Cessna 172RG · Red Feather Lak, CO · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 1984 · N5096R · Destroyed > Acft departed downwind into rising terrain with density altitude calculated to be 10,935 ft. acft was observed to mush into rising terrain 300 ft higher than and 3 mi west of the rwy. - [NTSB ATL84FA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84FA168.md): Cessna 172RG · Dallas, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 6, 1984 · N6293V · Destroyed > Approximately one-half hour after takeoff, the aircraft collided with rising terrain and was destroyed. The flight was unauthorized and no witnesses observed the crash. Weather at the time of the crash is unknown. The private pilot on board probably had not… - [NTSB CHI84FA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84FA169.md): Cessna 172RG · Woodbury, MN · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 29, 1984 · N6446V · Destroyed > The acft collided with a radio antenna support cable at aprx 171 ft AGL during low altitude maneuvering in snow showers. One witness stated that the heaviest snow showers were in the vicinity of the accident site. A policeman saw the acft over a field near… - [NTSB ATL84FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84FA095.md): Cessna 172RG · Chesapeake, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 12, 1984 · N5299U · Destroyed > Prior to departure, the plt was twice advised that the destination wx was below most users minimums. The non-instrument rated plt then departed dulles arpt on an IFR flt plan in IMC. After departure, he did not follow assigned headings, & for a period of… - [NTSB MIA84FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84FA038.md): Cessna 172RG · Cross City, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 1983 · N9682B · Destroyed > While in the vicinity of Cross City the plt requested VFR flt following from jacksonville ARTCC. While he was in radio &radar contact, the controller suddenly lost radar contact with the flt. Radar indicated that the acft made a rapid descent from the cruise… - [NTSB MIA83FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83FA113.md): Cessna 172RG · Gainesville, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 10, 1983 · N6418V · Destroyed > The acft crashed about 8 miles from the intended destination during weather on a dark night. The plt had gone outbound that afternoon with two passengers who did not return with him because of motion sickness. According to the one of his former instructors… - [NTSB FTW81FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW81FA091.md): Cessna 172RG · Grants, NM · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · May 15, 1981 · N5086U · Destroyed - [NTSB MIA80FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA80FA035.md): Cessna 172RG · Palm Bay, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Feb 18, 1980 · N6265R · Destroyed - [NTSB LAX80FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX80FA019.md): Cessna 172RG · Lassen Peak, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Nov 22, 1979 · N4760R · Destroyed - [NTSB CHI73FEI04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI73FEI04.md): Cessna 172G · Northfield, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Aug 21, 1972 · N6093R · Destroyed - [NTSB UNK66X0119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK66X0119.md): Cessna 206 · Villanil, Serbia · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jan 10, 1966 · N5086U · Destroyed ## 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 ('2072438')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=2072438 --- 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.