# NTSB investigations: Cessna 172N, VA

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 ERA24LA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA361.md): Cessna 172 · Lynchburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 29, 2024 · N734SY · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA24LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA065.md): Cessna 172 · Newport News, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 11, 2023 · N733QJ · Substantial damage
  > An inflight collision with a bird during initial climb.
- [NTSB GAA17CA540](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA540.md): Cessna 172 · Lynchburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 16, 2017 · N5396D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's unstabilized approach, which resulted in an aborted go-around, an aerodynamic stall, and a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA16CA460](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA460.md): Cessna 172 · Winchester, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2016 · N2462E · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's incorrect pitch control during the landing flare, which resulted in a porpoise, a loss of directional control, and a runway excursion.
- [NTSB ERA14CA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA160.md): Cessna 172N · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 8, 2014 · N5423J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and substantial damage to the firewall.
- [NTSB ERA12LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA191.md): Cessna 172N · Flat Rock, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2012 · N4737D · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the exhaust valve spring seat for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB ERA10CA392](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA392.md): Cessna 172N · Elk Creek, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 31, 2010 · N172FL · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB ERA10LA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA377.md): Cessna 172N · Waynesboro, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2010 · N3480E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to follow the short-field takeoff procedures published in the Pilot's Operating Handbook.
- [NTSB ERA10LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA055.md): Cessna 172 · Luray, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 2009 · N738CD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's premature rotation and liftoff and her subsequent failure to recognize and correct for the influence of ground effect on the airplane's takeoff performance.
- [NTSB ERA09LA517](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA517.md): Cessna 172N · Hillsville, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2009 · N734TV · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB ERA09CA430](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA430.md): Cessna 172N · Manassas, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2009 · N733BS · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB NYC08CA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA127.md): Cessna 172N · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 8, 2008 · N733LE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper engine starting procedures.
- [NTSB ATL07CA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07CA132.md): Cessna C172N · Manassas, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 25, 2007 · N733BS · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to correct for a pilot-induced oscillation/porpoise, during flare/touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB IAD02LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD02LA096.md): Cessna 172N · Bumpass, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 2002 · N737TG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. A factor was the narrow runway width.
- [NTSB IAD02FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD02FA088.md): Cessna 172N · Stanardsville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2002 · N738JR · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance while descending over mountainous terrain. A factor was the night lighting conditions.
- [NTSB NYC02LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02LA121.md): Cessna 172N · Lynchburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2002 · N5408E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, a factor was the tailwind.
- [NTSB NYC02LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02LA011.md): Cessna 172N · Ashland, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 2001 · N4834G · No damage
  > The line technician's inadvertent contact with the propeller during a hand-propped engine start.
- [NTSB IAD00LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD00LA043.md): Cessna 172N · Tappahannock, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 16, 2000 · N1655E · Substantial damage
  > the pilots's inability to maintain aircraft control after a loss of consciosness.
- [NTSB NYC99FA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA214.md): Cessna 172N · Dyke, VA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 1999 · N733DH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his inability to see the rapidly rising terrain. A factor was the pilot's inaccurate evaluation of the weather.
- [NTSB BFO95LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO95LA054.md): Cessna 172N · Head Waters, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 1995 · N3065E · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's poor planning/decision making in the attempted departure. Contributing factors are the wet, recently mowed grass airstrip, and the embankment/downhill grade encountered during the aborted takeoff.
- [NTSB BFO95FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO95FA001.md): Cessna 172N · Fancy Gap, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 1994 · N734NB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate inflight planning and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Other related factors are: fog, rain, VFR flight into IMC, inexperience and mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB NYC94LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94LA092.md): Cessna 172N · Fredericksburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 24, 1994 · N737SE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's premature lift-off, resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush back onto the runway, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and colliding with a dirt…
- [NTSB BFO93LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93LA170.md): Cessna 172N · Tangier Island, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1993 · N5347J · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft during a go-around. A factor related to the accident was: the crosswind condition.
- [NTSB BFO91LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA009.md): Cessna 172N · Elkton, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 1990 · N902ZZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat which resulted in a reduction in engine power. A factor was the rough terrain.
- [NTSB BFO90LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90LA068.md): Cessna 172N · Tangier Island, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 1990 · N1516E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and premature raising of the flaps.
- [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 BFO89LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA014.md): Cessna 172N · Ashland, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 15, 1989 · N901ZZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing and the failure to achieve sufficient airspeed during the go-around to initiate a climb.
- [NTSB BFO89LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA001.md): Cessna 172 · Sandston, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 1988 · N739PE · Substantial damage
  > The plt said he was on final apch about 600 to 800 ft AGL when power loss occurred. He forced landed on an open field about 1/2 mi short of the rwy. The eng exam revealed that two teeth of the idler gear had separated. This resulted in a loss of continuity…
- [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 BFO87LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87LA025.md): Cessna 172N · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 1987 · N734ZD · Substantial damage
  > After climbing to cruise altitude and noting that the winds were stronger than expected, the pilot elected to divert to Charlottesville. Upon entering the traffic pattern, the pilot noted that he would be landing with a crosswind from the right. The aircraft…
- [NTSB BFO85LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO85LA027.md): Cessna 172N · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 10, 1985 · N1564E · Substantial damage
  > The plt reported that during an apch to land, moderate turbulence was encountered & that the winds were variable. Since the acft was low & fast, he adjusted the power & extended 10 then 20 deg of flaps. Crossing the threshold, he retarded the throttle to idle…
- [NTSB ATL84LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA166.md): Cessna 172N · Buckingham, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 1984 · N73787 · Substantial damage
  > The acft bounced and drifted during the landing flare. The plt added power to go-around and was unable to clear the trees near the rwy.
- [NTSB ATL82DA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82DA091.md): Cessna 172 · Chantilly, VA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Apr 4, 1982 · N5510D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot flew into an area of high forecast winds and altered his destination as a precaution. However, he failed to ask for or take precautionary measures after landing and the aircraft was blown over while taxiing.
- [NTSB ATL81DID12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL81DID12.md): Cessna 172N · Northampton Co, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Mar 10, 1981 · N6382E · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ATL80FIA16](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL80FIA16.md): Cessna 172 · Manassas, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 22, 1980 · N6284D · Substantial damage
- [NTSB IAD80FID09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD80FID09.md): Cessna 172 · Waynesboro, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Mar 11, 1980 · N2286E · Substantial damage
- [NTSB IAD80DIA05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD80DIA05.md): Cessna 172 · Leesburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Feb 27, 1980 · N734QX · Substantial damage
- [NTSB IAD80FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD80FA010.md): Cessna 172N · Vienna, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Nov 15, 1979 · N739TJ · Substantial damage
- [NTSB IAD79DID21](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD79DID21.md): Cessna 172N · Lexington, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jul 8, 1979 · N734DD · Substantial damage
- [NTSB IAD79FID13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD79FID13.md): Cessna 172 · Ashland, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Apr 8, 1979 · N75964 · Substantial damage

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'VA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  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?model=2072434&state=VA

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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.
