# NTSB investigations: Cessna 172P, CA

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 · 83 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR25LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA086.md): Cessna 172P · Ramona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 2, 2025 · N5268K · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight collision with a bird in the airport traffic pattern.
- [NTSB WPR24LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA181.md): Cessna 172P · Santa Ynez, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 5, 2024 · N9567L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in exceedance of the critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin, with insufficient altitude for recovery. The student pilot’s exceedance of the critical angle of attack which resulted in a…
- [NTSB GAA19CA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA203.md): Cessna 172 · Fullteron, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 11, 2019 · N9964L · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose-over.
- [NTSB WPR18CA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18CA072.md): Cessna 172P · Cloverdale, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 20, 2018 · N64204 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the approach and his delayed decision to go around.
- [NTSB WPR18CA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18CA048.md): Cessna 172P · Valley Springs, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 14, 2017 · N54873 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering for landing and his decision to land on a surface with obstructions.
- [NTSB WPR18LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA034.md): Cessna 172P · San Jose, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Nov 19, 2017 · N52492 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed decision to execute an emergency landing and his attempt to return to the airport following a partial loss of power due to wear on internal engine components, which prevented the engine from developing full-rated power during the…
- [NTSB GAA15CA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA063.md): Cessna 172P · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 30, 2015 · N65813 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain attitude control during the landing flare, resulting in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR12CA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA260.md): Cessna 172P · Hemet, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 28, 2012 · N216AF · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to monitor and maintain clearance from an obstacle during taxi.
- [NTSB WPR11CA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA376.md): Cessna 172P · San Diego, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 14, 2011 · N216AF · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles while taxiing.
- [NTSB WPR11CA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA259.md): Cessna 172P · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 8, 2011 · N9849L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB WPR11CA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA204.md): Cessna 172P · Palm Springs, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 21, 2011 · N62145 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after landing with a crosswind.
- [NTSB WPR10CA392](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA392.md): Cessna 172P · San Jose, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 8, 2010 · N64204 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB WPR10CA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA152.md): Cessna 172P · Camarillo Airport, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 7, 2010 · N23FR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind gusts and failure to maintain directional control during landing.
- [NTSB WPR09CA447](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA447.md): Cessna 172P · Long Beach, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 8, 2009 · N51594 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a parked vehicle during taxi.
- [NTSB WPR09CA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA209.md): Cessna 172P · Livermore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 20, 2009 · N64204 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB LAX06LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06LA108.md): Cessna 172N · Sacramento, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 2006 · N739GY · 2 aircraft · Minor damage
  > the failure of the pilot of the other airplane to maintain an adequate clearance from obstacles while taxiing.
- [NTSB LAX04CA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA282.md): Cessna 172P · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2004 · N65615 · Substantial damage
  > the instructor's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and delayed decision to perform a go-around. Contributing factors were wind gusts, windshear, and an excessive descent rate.
- [NTSB LAX04CA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA098.md): Cessna 172P · Granada Hills, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 20, 2004 · N5364K · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power due to an inadequate fuel supply.
- [NTSB LAX03LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA117.md): Cessna 172P · Van Nuys, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 23, 2003 · N63788 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing. A contributing factor is the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB LAX03FA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA090.md): Cessna 172P · Santa Susana, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 2003 · N65005 · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor's inadequate in-flight decision to cross mountainous terrain at a inadequate altitude to guarantee terrain clearance.
- [NTSB LAX02LA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA237.md): Cessna 172P · Creston, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2002 · N5268K · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the dark night conditions.
- [NTSB LAX01LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA150.md): Cessna 172P · Torrance, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 19, 2001 · N97984 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot-in-command to execute a proper landing flare, which resulted in an improper touchdown attitude and a subsequent loss of directional control. A factor in the accident was the difference between landing characteristics of the Katana and…
- [NTSB LAX01LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA021.md): Cessna 172P · Half Moon Bay, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 22, 2000 · N5226K · Substantial damage
  > A local windshear condition that exceeded the airplane's climb performance capability during landing approach and resulted in the runway overrun during an attempted go-around.
- [NTSB LAX00FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA178.md): Cessna 172P · Chester, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 28, 2000 · N216PB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's encounter with a wind shear at low altitude, which resulted in a loss of control and a stall/spin. Factors in the accident were the high density altitude and the pilot's lack of experience and training in high density altitude operations. The…
- [NTSB LAX99LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA109.md): Cessna 172P · Death Valley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 26, 1999 · N99269 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's use of an excessive approach reference speed and his misjudged distance/speed relationship to the runway, which resulted in a landing overrun. The pilot's failure to execute a timely go-around was also causal.
- [NTSB LAX98LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA030.md): Cessna 172P · San Diego, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 1997 · N98483 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a hangar while taxiing.
- [NTSB LAX97LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA167.md): Cessna 172P · San Jose, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 1997 · N63754 · Destroyed
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed to preclude stalling following an improper recovery from a bounced landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's premature and excessive flap retraction and misjudged landing flare.
- [NTSB LAX97LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA053.md): Cessna 172P · Van Nuys, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1996 · N54686 · Substantial damage
  > improper flare by the pilot during the landing, and his improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing, dragged wing tip, and a collapsed main gear.
- [NTSB LAX97LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA018.md): Cessna 172P · Kingsburg, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 1996 · N6187K · Destroyed
  > the student pilot's use of an excessively lean mixture, which led to engine overheating, detonation, subsequent failure of the number 2 piston, and a forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX96LA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA250.md): Cessna 172 · Camarillo, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 1996 · N9408L · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot misjudged the landing flare resulting in a hard landing. A factor in the accident was high airspeed.
- [NTSB LAX96LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA148.md): Cessna 172P · Fullerton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 1996 · N9964L · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot's inadequate compensation for the encounter with wake turbulence from a preceding small aircraft, and his improper bounced landing recovery technique.
- [NTSB LAX96LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA117.md): Cessna 172P · Raymond, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 1996 · N53115 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to verify the quantity of fuel onboard the aircraft prior to departure, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB LAX96LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA043.md): Cessna 172 · Santa Ana, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 10, 1995 · N55152 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. The pilot's diverted attention while raising the flaps and pushing in the carburetor heat control was a factor in this accident.
- [NTSB LAX95LA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA296.md): Cessna 172P · Hesperia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 1995 · N5462K · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the connecting rod due to the rod bolt backing off, and the pilot's misjudging the distance and altitude.
- [NTSB LAX95LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA133.md): Cessna 172P · Redlands, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 1995 · N51920 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's use of an excessive approach speed and glidepath angle and his improper bounced landing recovery technique.
- [NTSB LAX94LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA061.md): Cessna 172P · Panoche, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1993 · N65922 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper approach speed and glide path, and his delayed initiation of a go-around. A factor in the accident was the wind shear condition created by the hills immediately off the departure end of the dirt airstrip.
- [NTSB LAX94LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA050.md): Cessna 172RG · Santa Ana, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 1993 · N9620B · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > were the CFI's inadequate supervision of the flight and his delay in taking remedial action. The dual student's excessive taxi speed and the worn right brake lining were factors in this accident.
- [NTSB LAX94LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA023.md): Cessna 172 · Murrieta, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 1993 · N96353 · Substantial damage
  > The unexpected windsheer that was encountered on final approach. The surrounding mountain/hilly terrain was a factor in this accident.
- [NTSB LAX93LA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA298.md): Cessna 172 · Vacaville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1993 · N51409 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision by failing to allow enough time for the rotor wash to dissipate before attempting the approach. The wake turbulence (rotor wash) was a factor in this accident.
- [NTSB LAX93FA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93FA160.md): Cessna 172P · Livermore, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 1993 · N97462 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors that contributed to this accident were: the pilot's lack of recent instrument experience, the rain and high wind conditions in the area.
- [NTSB LAX93FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93FA096.md): Cessna 172P · Sun City, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 20, 1993 · N53908 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to initiate VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing, the adverse weather, and the mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB LAX92LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA328.md): Cessna 172P · Burbank, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 1992 · N53485 · Substantial damage
  > The binding and over temperature of an exhaust valve due to the lack of compliance with factory service instructions and bulletins regarding valve sticking by other maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB LAX92LA306](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA306.md): Cessna 172P · Kernville, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1992 · N5247K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's selection of the wrong runway; poorly planned approach; failure to attain the proper touch down point; and delay in executing the go-around. Contributing to this accident was the existing tailwind and crosswind.
- [NTSB LAX92FA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92FA241.md): Cessna 172P · Big Sur, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 1992 · N5449K · Destroyed
  > Pilot incapacition.
- [NTSB LAX92LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA140.md): Cessna 172P · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 1992 · N98662 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudged landing flare and her improper bounced landing recovery technique. Contributing factors were the airplane's excessive approach airspeed and the student's lack of experience.
- [NTSB LAX91LA389](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA389.md): Cessna 172P · Hesperia, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1991 · N97564 · Substantial damage
  > A stuck exhaust valve due to the operator's non compliance with a manufacturers recommended service bulletin on the engine. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a safe landing.
- [NTSB LAX91LA323](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA323.md): Cessna C-172P · Hesperia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 1991 · N54694 · Substantial damage
  > A stuck engine throttle due to improper maintenance procedures.
- [NTSB LAX91LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA078.md): Cessna 172P · Sacramento, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 1991 · N96306 · Destroyed
  > The flight's inadvertant encounter with wake turbulence.
- [NTSB LAX90LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA314.md): Cessna 172P · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 1990 · N51362 · Substantial damage
  > A disconnect of the throttle control.
- [NTSB LAX90FA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90FA292.md): Piper PA-28RT-201 · Long Beach, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 1990 · N3054N · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The inadequate visual outlook of the pilots of the Cessna 172P and their failure to see and avoid the Piper pa- 28RT-201. Contributing to the accident was the azimuth and angle of the sun which was in a position at the time of the accident to impair the scan…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2072436&state=CA&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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' 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 ('2072436'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=2072436&state=CA

---
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.