# NTSB investigations: Cessna 172N: In flight collision with terrain/water

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 · 60 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB SEA05LA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA145.md): Cessna 172N · Bonners Ferry, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2005 · N120ER · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Mountainous terrain was a factor.
- [NTSB CHI04CA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA152.md): Cessna 172N · Hillsboro, ND · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 10, 2004 · N737SV · Substantial damage
  > Directional control not obtained/maintained by the pilot during landing roll.
- [NTSB CHI04CA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA067.md): Cessna 172N · Cahokia, IL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 7, 2004 · N738EJ · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate supervision by the certified flight instructor which lead to the student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the snowbank during the landing. The snowbank was a factor.
- [NTSB LAX03LA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA294.md): Cessna 172N · Pahrump, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 2003 · N6548D · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the mountainous terrain while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ATL03LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA098.md): Cessna 172N · Hampton, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 2003 · N140PF · Substantial damage
  > The certified flight instructor's failure to maintain clearance from the runway during a low pass. A factor was gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB LAX03FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA100.md): Cessna 172N · Ely, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 2003 · N9885J · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while flying in a box canyon.
- [NTSB CHI01LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA202.md): Cessna 172N · West Chicago, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2001 · N5285E · Substantial damage
  > The instructor pilot's inadequate recovery from the bounced landing and inadequate supervision of the dual students alignment with the runway. A factor was the student pilot not maintaining proper alignment with the runway during landing.
- [NTSB SEA01LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA076.md): Cessna 172 N · Sultan, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 21, 2001 · N8402E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees and terrain during the airplane's initial climb.
- [NTSB SEA00LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00LA054.md): Cessna 172N · Quincy, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 2000 · N229CP · Substantial damage
  > Failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors include mountainous/hilly terrain.
- [NTSB LAX99LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA213.md): Cessna 172 · Weaverville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 1999 · N5577E · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to follow prescribed procedures and directives for the particular airport.
- [NTSB NYC99LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA131.md): Cessna 172 · West Milford, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 1999 · N1223F · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructors failure to maintain climb airspeed during the go-around, which degraded climb performance, resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors in the accident were, delay in executing a go-around, retracting the flaps to 10…
- [NTSB LAX98FA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA152.md): Cessna 172N · Avalon, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 7, 1998 · N6514E · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance in a Blind/Box Canyon. A related factor was the mountainous/hilly terrain.
- [NTSB MIA98LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA063.md): Cessna 172N · Valdosta, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 1998 · N738YK · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the student to recover (pull-up) from the intentional maneuver resulting in the in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the ostentatious display by the student.
- [NTSB LAX98FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA043.md): Cessna 172N · La Jolla, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 1997 · N6463D · Destroyed
  > the pilot's act of suicide by intentionally diving his aircraft into the ocean.
- [NTSB ATL97LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA140.md): Cessna 172N · Greenville, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 1997 · N738SZ · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper use of the elevator control and delayed liftoff during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent porpoise, collision with the runway, and collapse of the nose gear as he aborted the takeoff.
- [NTSB LAX97FA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA286.md): Cessna 172N · Cuyama, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 1997 · N6141D · Destroyed
  > undetermined.
- [NTSB LAX97LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA141.md): Cessna 172N · Avalon, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 1997 · N733CN · Destroyed
  > The pilot's misjudging the airplane's altitude and distance to the runway and an excessive descent rate, which led to an undershoot, and the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the approach. Contributing factors were the pilot's delay in…
- [NTSB NYC96LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96LA184.md): Cessna 172N · Shirley, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 1996 · N737GJ · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's prematurely retraction of flaps during the go-around, which resulted in settling (mushing) of the airplane and a collision with the ground.
- [NTSB IAD96LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA120.md): Cessna 172 · Stowe, VT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1996 · N5091G · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to follow proper IFR procedures and to maintain proper terrain clearance (altitude) during an NDB approach. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's lack of instrument experience, low ceiling, and mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB LAX96FA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96FA115.md): Cessna 172N · Julian, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 20, 1996 · N738ED · Destroyed
  > the pilot's delay in requesting assistance to avoid high terrain. Factors were: the downdrafts, mountainous terrain, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning.
- [NTSB NYC96FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96FA002.md): Cessna 172N · Caton, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1995 · N9461E · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper IFR procedure by failing to maintain proper altitude, while on the initial approach for an ILS. A factor relating to the accident was: failure of the tower controller to issue a safety advisory.
- [NTSB LAX95FA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95FA217.md): Cessna 172N · Vidal Junction, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 1995 · N739KJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an altitude adequate to avoid the mountainous/hilly terrain. Contributing to the accident was the glare from the setting sun.
- [NTSB LAX94LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA032.md): Cessna 172N · Joshua Tree, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 1993 · N8279E · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate on final approach. A factor in the accident was the student's limited total experience.
- [NTSB LAX94FA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94FA007.md): Cessna 172N · Sedona, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 1993 · N5365D · Destroyed
  > the pilot's decision to continue VFR at an improper altitude into mountainous terrain at night and the inadvertent encounter with clouds along the route. Self-induced pressure due to a low fuel state contributed to the accident.
- [NTSB SEA93LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA167.md): Cessna 172N · Monroe, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 1993 · N734DL · Substantial damage
  > The improper inflight decision by the PIC and his failure to attain proper runway alignment. Factors relating to the accident were the dark night light conditions, unavailability of runway lights, and lack of recent night flight time by the PIC.
- [NTSB LAX93LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA225.md): Cessna 172N · Page, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 24, 1993 · N734DB · Destroyed
  > the pilot's selection of an inadequate cruise altitude. A factor in the accident was the high winds and turbulence in the vicinity of the cliffs.
- [NTSB FTW93FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93FA096.md): Cessna 172N · Katy, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 1993 · N222UF · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons
- [NTSB LAX93LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA102.md): Cessna 172N · Sedona, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 1993 · N737EA · Substantial damage
  > The pilots inadequate compensation for the existing wind conditions and his delay in executing a go around. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of total experience.
- [NTSB LAX93FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93FA046.md): Cessna 172N · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 1992 · N737WZ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to cruise at an altitude inadequate to ensure terrain clearance. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, the dark night, and likely instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB LAX92LA382](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA382.md): Cessna 172N · Fillmore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 1992 · N2212W · Substantial damage
  > The first pilot's poor inflight decision to fly into a box canyon. Contributing to this accident was the box canyon and the downdraft.
- [NTSB LAX92LA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA380.md): Cessna 172N · Stanfield, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 10, 1992 · N734UT · Substantial damage
  > The cfi's poor in-flight decision to demonstrate the simulated engine out emergency landing at too low an altitude and misjudging the altitude during the circling maneuver.
- [NTSB LAX92FA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92FA164.md): Cessna 172N · Claremont, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 1992 · N1333E · Substantial damage
  > The pilots improper preflight and inflight planning/decisions, his continued VFR flight into IMC conditions, and his failure to initiate timely remedial actions.
- [NTSB MIA92GA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92GA024.md): Cessna 172N · Okeechobee, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Nov 8, 1991 · N739WS · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain altitude during a low pass at night. Contributing factors were the pilot's likely spatial disorientation due to the lack of surface visual clues, the dark night conditions, and the patchy fog conditions.
- [NTSB NYC92LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA001.md): Cessna 172 · Auburn, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1991 · N2065E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot was buzzing and stalled the airplane at too low an altitude to recover.
- [NTSB NYC91LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA148.md): Cessna 172N · Lincoln Park, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1991 · N737WG · Substantial damage
  > The decision of the pilot to discontinue a go-around, from an attempted landing, resulting in the airplane striking trees. A factor related to the accident was the lack of total flight experience of the student pilot.
- [NTSB BFO91FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91FA049.md): Cessna 172N · Lebanon, NH · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 17, 1991 · N4650G · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Contributing was mountainous terrain, low clouds, and VFR flight into IMC.
- [NTSB SEA90LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA199.md): Cessna 172N · Neilton, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1990 · N738AQ · Destroyed
  > The failure of the crew to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain. Factors to the accident were mountainous and box canyon terrain.
- [NTSB LAX90FA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90FA244.md): Cessna 172N · Avalon, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1990 · N2810E · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper in-flight planning, decision, and his intentional low flying near mountainous terrain. Contributing factors related to the pilot's not maintaining/following proper VFR procedures, the related distraction of the open cabin door, and the…
- [NTSB BFO90FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90FA032.md): Cessna 172N · Bedford, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 17, 1990 · N76026 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to fly into known adverse weather conditions and his failure to maintain clearance above the terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self induced pressure, low ceilings, mountainous terrain and rain.
- [NTSB SEA90FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90FA027.md): Cessna 172N · Nordland, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 1989 · N2228E · Destroyed
  > Undetermined.
- [NTSB CHI90LA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90LA041.md): Cessna 172N II · Middleton, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 1989 · N75912 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper use of flaps to provide lift on short final approach instead of applying power and the failure to maintain aircraft control.
- [NTSB MKC89FA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA197.md): Cessna 172N · Hyannis, NE · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1989 · N733FY · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude. Darkness and adverse weather conditions were related factors.
- [NTSB BFO88FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88FA002.md): Cessna 172N · Lowmoor, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 1987 · N3075E · Destroyed
  > The acft was involved in powerline patrol over mountainous terrain at low altitude. The plt made a climbing right turn to avoid a ridge and went into a valley where he was boxed in by two ridges. He unsuccessfully tried to outclimb one of the ridges before he…
- [NTSB LAX87LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA314.md): Cessna 172N · Temple Bar, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 1987 · N733TA · Destroyed
  > The stall warning horn sounded during climbout following a touch-and-go landing. Rising terrain was reported beyond the end of the runway and the pilot was unable to continue to climb while maintaining a safe airspeed. The density altitude was approximately…
- [NTSB LAX87LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA238.md): Cessna 172N · Malibu, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 1987 · N738JV · Substantial damage
  > During a local instructional flight, the pilot stated that they were flying along the coast aprx 1 mile offshore and 500 ft AGL. The student started a climbing right turn towards land. The student continued to apply back pressure to the point that the acft…
- [NTSB ATL87LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA127.md): Cessna 172N · Union Grove, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 1987 · N4678G · Substantial damage
  > The plt reported that he was attempting to make a soft-field ldg in a plowed field at a friend's farm. He had not landed there previously. After initial touchdown was made on the main ldg gear, the nosewheel dug into a rise in the terrain and the airplane…
- [NTSB LAX87LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA189.md): Cessna 172N · Lihue, HI · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 24, 1987 · N739RV · Destroyed
  > The pilot filled the aircraft's fuel tanks, loaded three air tour passengers and proceeded up a canyon that climbed up to an elevation of about 3000 feet MSL on a sightseeing flight. A ground tour bus driver observed smoke emanating from the canyon and…
- [NTSB CHI87FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87FA083.md): Cessna 172N · Fergus Falls, MN · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 12, 1987 · N734MV · Destroyed
  > Following a 1.5 hour personal flight at night, the aircraft crashed into the side of a low hill near the destination airport. Although the pilot had a total of 6 hours of night time, most of his solo night time was during this last flight. Hazy VFR conditions…
- [NTSB LAX87MA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87MA018.md): Cessna 172N · Altadena, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 1986 · N1048F · Destroyed
  > While rtrng to santa monica (smo) fm a x-country, the plts diverted to van nuys when the rwy at smo was closed due to a disabled acft. After the rwy was reopened, they filed an IFR flt pln to cont at 5000' & tkof at ngt. Drg dep, the AR-3 ctlr provided radar…
- [NTSB DEN86LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA187.md): Cessna 172N · Richfield, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1986 · N8291E · Substantial damage
  > Plt stated after the accident, '...I noticed the wind sock and it was drooping...I went to final approach (for rwy 1)... Noticed a little wind so I crabbed into it, and I noticed my approach didn't look good so I went to do a go-around. I went to raise the…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2072434&occurrence=230&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."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072434')
    AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND o.aircrafts_position = x.position AND o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 230))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=2072434&occurrence=230

---
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.