Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna 172L
62 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna 172L. 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
| 1971 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1972 | 4 |
| 1973 | 12 |
| 1974 | 4 |
| 1975 | 4 |
| 1976 | 3 |
| 1977 | 3 |
| 1978 | 1 |
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 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 ('2072432'))
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 ('2072432'))
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 CEN25FA320Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 172L · Walters, OKOn August 14, 2025, about 0934 central daylight time, a Cessna 172L, N2860Q, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Walters, Oklahoma. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as…NTSB CEN18FA336Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Rhome, TXThe pilot's inadequate maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation when organic debris restricted available fuel to the carburetor, and the pilot's impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol, which…NTSB ERA18FA174Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Diamondhead, MSThe student pilot's failure to retract the flaps following landing and the stall/mush that resulted during the subsequent full-flap takeoff and initial climb.NTSB WPR17FA213Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Perkinsville, AZThe pilot's decision to fly into a canyon during wind conditions conducive to turbulence and downdrafts, and his subsequent loss of aircraft control while maneuvering in the canyon. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's limited canyon flying experience.NTSB DEN08FA155Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · York, NEThe student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, and the flight instructor's failure to take remedial action, for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA08FA038Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Clearwater, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's operation of the airplane above the design gross weight.NTSB CHI07FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Crookston, MNThe pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to his spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control. Factors were the snow, the low ceiling, and the pilot's lack of instrument flight experience.NTSB NYC06FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Montgomery Twp, PAAn impact with mountainous terrain for an undetermined reason.NTSB CHI06FA010Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPlavcan Lancair 235 · Rootstown, OHThe failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout during cruise flight, which resulted in their failure to see and avoid each other and a midair collision.NTSB ATL04LA195Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Gadsden, ALThe flight instructors failure to maintain clearance and his inadequate visual lookout while flying low over a river resulting in an in-flight collision with a wire.NTSB CHI04FA223Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Webster, WIThe high velocity impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX04LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Vacaville, CAthe pilot's inadequate hand prop starting procedure.NTSB FTW03FA212Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · New Braunfels, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin during takeoff.NTSB LAX03FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Rosamond, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a stall and impact with flat level terrain. Also causal was the pilot's impaired judgment due to recent use of cocaine, and ethanol.NTSB LAX01LA286Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Tucson, AZthe pilot's controlled descent into a residence for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC00FA257Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Mill Creek, PAThe pilot's improper pre-flight planning, and in-flight planning decision to continue visual fight into deteriorating adverse weather conditions. Factors were the night conditions, low clouds and fog.NTSB SEA98FA170Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Anacortes, WATerrain clearance was not maintained. A low ceiling and the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision were factors.NTSB MIA99FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Macclenny, FLThe student pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a subsequent in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Contributing factors were, haze/smoke, the student pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather…NTSB IAD97FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Brandy Station, VAthe certificated flight instructor's failure to ensure that proper altitude/clearance was maintained above the terrain and trees, while on final approach. Darkness was a related factor.NTSB SEA92FA109Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Colburn, IDThe pilot became lost/disoriented, failed to maintain airspeed when he attempted to reverse course in a box canyon, and the aircraft stalled. Factors relating to the accident were the narrow box canyon, the high density altitude, and the lack of mountain…NTSB NYC90LA209Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Montauk, NYPilot failed to attain airspeed during a go around, resulting in the airplane stalling at a low altitude. Contributing factor was the pilot's attention was diverted to airport maintenance personnel working near the approach end of the runway.NTSB NYC89FA146Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Hubbardston, MAFailure of both pilots to see-and-avoid (attain visual lookout for) conflicting traffic.NTSB SEA88FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Ocean Shores, WAThe student pilot departed on his fifth solo flight from the airport where he had been accustomed to originating his instructional flights. After several touch and go landings he proceeded to a nearby airport and conducted at least one more touch and go.…NTSB CHI87IA110Incident · 1 fatalIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Plainfield, ILThe pilot decided the weather was not good enough to fly, but he would run the engine and turn the tires. He was discovered in the plane by other pilots and later pronounced dead, from carbon monoxide asphyxiation. The muffler had a 12 inch crack which a…NTSB FTW85FA090Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Galveston, TXA recently certificated private pilot with no known instrument training was given a 'VFR not recommended' weather briefing for a return trip on a pleasure flight. Weather conditions were predicted to, and did, deteriorate rapidly. He took off and turned on…NTSB LAX82FA213Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Meiners Oaks, CAWitnesses in a remote canyon reported an aircraft making low passes in that area. They last saw the plane going up the canyon. Later, the aircraft was located on a wall of the same canyon. Tests of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of .279 percent.…NTSB ANC81DA073Accident · 4 fatalClosedCessna A185F · Missing AircraftNTSB ATL81FA031Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 172 · Petersburg, VANTSB CHI81FA005Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 172 · Westfield, WINTSB IAD80FA044Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 172 · Bethany, WVNTSB FTW78FPG66Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Durham, ARNTSB MIA77FA088Accident · 4 fatalClosedCessna 172 · Lauderhill, FLNTSB MIA77FA071Accident · 5 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Vienna, GANTSB OAK77FA031Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 150L · Gilroy, CANTSB GAF76AA138Accident · 4 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Beluga Mt, AKNTSB CHI76AC047Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Bay City, MINTSB NYC76AN067Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 172L · White Plains, NYNTSB MIA76AM041Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Key West, FLNTSB MIA75AM079Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Marathon, FLNTSB CHI75AC082Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Linden, MINTSB OAK75O0004Accident · 4 fatalClosedCessna 172 · Banaue, RPNTSB OAK75AP030Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 172L · 3 Rivers, CANTSB NYC75AN072Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Tuxedo, NYNTSB SEA74AS031Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Goldendale, WANTSB OAK74AP033Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 172L · San Ramon, CANTSB LAX74AL011Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Sylmar, CANTSB LAX74AL023Accident · 4 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Descanso, CANTSB SEA74AS016Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Chiloquin, ORNTSB SEA74AS013Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 172 · Packwood, WANTSB DEN74AD007Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 172L · Preston, ID