Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna 152
270 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna 152. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 1977 | 4 |
|---|---|
| 1978 | 11 |
| 1979 | 10 |
| 1980 | 13 |
| 1981 | 15 |
| 1982 | 10 |
| 1983 | 9 |
| 1984 | 12 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 10 |
| 1987 | 10 |
| 1988 | 11 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 11 |
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 11 |
| 1993 | 11 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 2001 | 7 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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 ('2071835'))
ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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 ('2071835'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB WPR25FA233Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 152 · Hornell, NYOn August 1, 2025, about 1859 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N6125B was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Hornell, New York. The student pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part…NTSB WPR22FA309Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Watsonville, CAThe failure of the pilot of the multi-engine airplane to see and avoid the single-engine airplane while performing a straight-in approach for landing.NTSB WPR22FA227Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Mendon, UTThe flight instructor’s failure to recover from a developed spin, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s decision to enter the maneuver below the operator’s altitude limitation.NTSB CEN22FA214Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Wauwatosa, WIThe student pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a stall from which the student pilot could not recover.NTSB ERA21FA274Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · St. Augustine, FLThe flight instructor’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall during the landing approach.NTSB WPR19FA095Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNorth American T28 · Compton, CAThe failure of the T-28 pilot to see and avoid the Cessna while landing with reduced visibility due to sun glare, which resulted in a collision on the runway. Contributing to the accident was his failure to use the airport's common traffic advisory frequency…NTSB CEN18FA277Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Fort Rice, NDThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in conditions that were conducive to serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power, an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the…NTSB WPR18FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Concord, CAA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR18FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot's loss of situational awareness shortly after takeoff over a sparsely lit area in dark night conditions, which resulted in a rapid descent to ground impact.NTSB ERA17FA231Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Homestead, FLThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in night conditions over an area devoid of ground reference lights.NTSB WPR16FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Cedar City, UTThe failure of the pilots to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall from which they did not recover.NTSB CEN15FA189Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Batesville, ARThe noninstrument-rated pilot's controlled flight into terrain due to an inadvertent encounter with clouds in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at night in marginal visual meteorological conditions without the…NTSB ERA15FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · New Smyrna Beach, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while operating under visual flight rules (VFR) in night, instrument meteorological conditions, likely due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the outcome was the radar controller's failure to…NTSB CEN14FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Spring, TXThe flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed following a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN13FA214Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hawley, MNThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to conduct a flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB WPR13FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Tucson, AZThe pilot's incapacitation due to his preexisting cardiac disease, which resulted in his degraded or complete loss of ability to control the airplane.NTSB ERA11FA332Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Vero Beach, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.NTSB WPR10FA325Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Venice, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and airplane control during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and subsequent impact with the ground.NTSB WPR09FA437Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Coolidge, AZThe failure of both safety/spotter pilots to see and avoid the other airplane.NTSB WPR09FA398Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hesperia, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Also causal was the failure of the left magneto due to improper assembly of the drive gear during installation on the…NTSB ERA09LA413Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ponce, PRThe airplane’s impact with water for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09LA040Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Atwater, CAThe second pilot's failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller after exiting the airplane.NTSB NYC08FA238Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Rossville, TNUndetermined.NTSB LAX08LA211Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Piru, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB NYC08FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Parkland, FLBoth pilots' failure to see and avoid the other airplane. Contributing to the accident were the erroneous readouts from the Cessna's altitude encoder.NTSB LAX06FA200Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Peoria, AZthe failure of both the flight instructor and student pilot to regain control of the airplane in a timely manner during an intentional spin maneuver, resulting in a collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was the instructor's inadequate supervision…NTSB LAX05FA296Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lakewood, CAthe certified flight instructor's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed resulting in a stall and loss of control. Also causal was the engine's loss of partial power due to inadequate maintenance, worn spark plugs, worn pistons, and broken piston rings.NTSB NYC05FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Williamsburg, OHAn improperly installed rudder bumper, which resulted in a rudder jam during spin training and subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain. A factor was the operator did not comply with the service bulletin.NTSB CHI03FA320Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Three Oaks, MIThe pilot not maintaining adequate airspeed resulting in a stall during takeoff. Contributing factors were the buzzing flight and trees.NTSB FTW03FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Norman, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an inadvertent stall . Factors contributing to the accident were the low altitude and the prevailing high winds.NTSB FTW03FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Justin, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall.NTSB FTW02FA233Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ithaca, NEThe pilot's intentional flight of the airplane into terrain in an act of suicide.NTSB LAX02FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Petaluma, CAThe pilot's intentional flight of the airplane into terrain in an act of suicide.NTSB MIA02FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Poplarville, MSThe pilot's becoming lost and disoriented and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while flying over an unpopulated area on a dark night, which was the result of spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident was the pilot's consuming alcoholic…NTSB NYC02FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Middlefield, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Factors in the accident were the dark night, rising terrain, and clouds.NTSB FTW01FA188Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Weatherford, TXThe student pilot's improper decision making in that he landed with a tailwind and failed to execute a go-around, which resulted in a runway overrun. Contributing factors were the inaccurate reading of the left fuel gage as a result of improper maintenance by…NTSB NYC01FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · La Grange, KYThe student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering the airplane at low altitude. A factor was the pilot's overconfidence in his abilities.NTSB LAX01FA101Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Long Beach, CAThe failure of the flight crews of both airplanes to maintain adequate visual lookout for traffic.NTSB CHI01FA085Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Horicon, WIthe inadvertent stall/spin. Additional factors included the aerobatic manuevers, low altitude, and the procedures not followed.NTSB FTW01FA058Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Platter, OKthe failure of both pilots to maintain a visual lookout, which resulted in a mid-air collision over a lake. A contributing factor to the accident was the sun glare from the setting sun.NTSB SEA01FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Corvallis, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors include a dark night, densely forested, hilly terrain near the planned route of flight, and low ceilings in the area of the accident.NTSB LAX01FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Alpine, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall and collision with terrain.NTSB FTW00FA268Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Navasota, TXthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Contributory factors were the clouds, dark night light conditions, the pilot's lack of total instrument flight time, and the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete the…NTSB MIA00FA201Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Murfreesboro, TNthe flight instructor's failure to maintain an airspeed above the aircraft's stall speed, which resulted in a stall/mush, and an inflight loss of control while maneuvering to return to a landing area during an emergency, resulting in an uncontrolled descent…NTSB CHI00FA180Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Brownton, MNIn flight collision with the terrain for undetermined reason.NTSB DEN00FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Karval, COthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadvertent flight into the clouds, and his becoming spatially disorientated.NTSB LAX00FA209Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Palm Springs, CAThe failure of the pilot/flight instructor to maintain sufficient airspeed to prevent the aircraft stalling and spinning. Factors in the accident were terrain induced windshear and sudden wind shift and the pilot/flight instructor's lack of total experience.NTSB FTW00FA154Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Noble, OKthe failure of both pilots to maintain visual lookout.NTSB LAX00FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Austin, NVThe pilot's decision to attempt flight in an area of high rising mountainous terrain at an inadequate altitude, which resulted in an impact during a turn to reverse direction. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in mountain flying…NTSB DEN00FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Roswell, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and the subsequent inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention to over flying her residence.