NTSB investigations: Cessna 172M, CA
201 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna 172M. 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
| 1972 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1973 | 2 |
| 1974 | 7 |
| 1975 | 4 |
| 1976 | 12 |
| 1977 | 20 |
| 1978 | 9 |
| 1979 | 10 |
| 1980 | 8 |
| 1981 | 11 |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 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.\"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 ('2072418'))
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."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 ('2072418'))
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 WPR26FA043Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 172M · Poleta, CAOn November 10, 2025, at about 1515 Pacific standard time, Cessna 172M, N13221, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Poleta, California. A pilot-rated passenger and a passenger were fatally injured, and the pilot was seriously…NTSB WPR23LA315Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172M · Marysville, CAThe flight instructor’s failure to monitor the airplane’s speed during a high-speed taxi, resulting in a runway excursion.NTSB WPR23LA146Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172M · Santa Ana, CAThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain clearance from a commercial airliner which resulted in an encounter with wake turbulence and subsequent loss of control resulting in impact with terrain.NTSB WPR22LA371Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172M · Pacific Ocean, CAUndetermined because the airplane and pilot were not located.NTSB WPR22LA111Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172M · Banning, CAThe solo student pilot's improper landing flare and bounced landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a parked vehicle and hanger.NTSB WPR22FA022Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Ukiah, CAA power interruption due to water-contaminated fuel, which resulted in the student pilot aborting the takeoff and landing hard. Contributing to the accident were a leak in the left fuel tank that allowed water to enter and damage to the fuel tank that…NTSB WPR19LA176Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Fullerton, CAPartial loss of engine power during takeoff due to an age-degraded carburetor heat valve seal, which detached and partially blocked the carburetor air inlet. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate maintenance inspection.NTSB WPR19FA080Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Desert Hot Springs, CAThe pilot's inadequate and/or improper preparation for the flight in which he selected an altitude too low to assure terrain clearance and resulted in an impact with terrain in turbulent downdraft conditions.NTSB GAA18CA201Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Livermore, CAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain runway centerline and flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during landing.NTSB GAA18CA048Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Chico, CAAn in-flight collision with a bird.NTSB WPR15MA243Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · San Diego, CAThe local controller's (LC) failure to properly identify the aircraft in the pattern and to ensure control instructions provided to the intended Cessna on downwind were being performed before turning Eagle1 into its path for landing. Contributing to the LC's…NTSB WPR14LA230Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Laytonville, CAThe pilot’s impairment due to alcohol ingestion, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from trees during a low-altitude flyby.NTSB WPR14CA122Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Ramona, CAThe student pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR14CA074Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Fullerton, CAThe pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.NTSB WPR13CA241Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Truckee, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll which resulted in a collision with a tree.NTSB WPR13LA224Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Lakeport, CALoss of engine power during climb due to a failure of the No. 2 piston assembly; the reason for the failure could not be determined because of the extent of damage to the piston assembly.NTSB WPR13FA211Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172RG · Calabasas, CAThe failure of the pilots in both aircraft to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision.NTSB WPR13LA035Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Modesto, CAFailure of the throttle control cable during maneuvering flight, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.NTSB WPR11FA415Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Santa Monica, CAThe student pilot’s misjudged approach and landing attempt. Contributing to the accident was a lack of airspeed due to a blocked pitot tube.NTSB WPR10CA382Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing PT-13B · Santa Rosa, CAThe failure of the pilot of another airplane to maintain clearance while taxiing.NTSB OPS10IA090Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-7H4 · Burbank, CAThe improper separation procedures by air traffic control.NTSB WPR10LA115Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Joshua Tree, CAThe certified flight instructor's decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating weather, which resulted in his inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent failure to maintain clearance with terrain.NTSB WPR09CA206Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Corona, CAThe pilot's improper landing flare.NTSB SEA08LA155Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Oakland, CAA loss of engine power due to oil starvation. The oil starvation event was due to the failure of maintenance personnel to tighten the mounting bolts for the newly installed vacuum pump.NTSB LAX08CA192Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · San Diego, CAThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go landing.NTSB LAX08CA169Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Byron, CAThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout.NTSB LAX08CA165Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Byron, CAThe flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his inadequate supervision of the student pilot. Factors contributing to the accident were a sudden wind shift and wind gusts.NTSB SEA08LA142Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Big Bear City, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on approach to landing that resulted in a stall/mush. Contributing to the accident was the wind shear and the high density altitude condition.NTSB LAX07CA125Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Stockton, CAThe loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations and failure to refuel while en route.NTSB LAX06CA253Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Gasquet, CAthe pilot's selection of a runway favoring tailwind conditions, his delayed decision to go around, and his failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed during the aborted landing. Contributing factors were the tailwind and wind shear conditions…NTSB LAX06CA252Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · San Andreas, CAthe student pilot's improper soft-field takeoff technique and failure to obtain and maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall mush. The certificated flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the maneuver was also causal.NTSB LAX06CA115Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Murrieta, CAa partial loss of engine power resulting from the student pilot's mismanagement of the mixture control.NTSB LAX05LA199Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Carlsbad, CAthe other pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain separation while taxiing.NTSB LAX05LA084Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Desert Center, CAThe instructor's improper decision to land on the dry lakebed without knowing the condition of the landing surface. A factor in the accident was the soft sand surface of the lake bed.NTSB LAX04CA023Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Montague, CAthe pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control.NTSB LAX03CA266Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Riverside, CAThe student pilot's misjudged distance and altitude, and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Also causal was the instructor's delayed remedial action.NTSB LAX03LA033Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Rosamond, CAThe fatigue failure of left main landing gear strut at the upper fuselage aft attachment hole, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing roll.NTSB LAX02LA182Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Mountain Ranch, CAthe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and his in-flight planning/decision resulting in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power.NTSB LAX02LA135Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Avalon, CAThe pilot's inadequate bounced landing recovery technique, which resulted in an inadvertent porpoise.NTSB LAX01LA259Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Placerville, CAInadequate airspeed during climb out following an aborted landing that was precipitated by the pilot's misjudged speed/distance on final approach. Also, contributing to the accident was the pilot's inexperience in the type of operation, his failure to…NTSB LAX01LA221Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Napa, CALoss of engine power due to the restricted movement of the number 1 exhaust valve that subsequently bent the exhaust push rod and push rod housing.NTSB LAX00LA299Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Oakland, CAThe pilot's improper landing flare.NTSB LAX00LA133Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Sacramento, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll. A rough, uneven runway surface was a factor in the accident.NTSB LAX99LA250Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Fresno, CAThe pilot's misjudged landing flare and inadequate recovery procedures from the subsequent bounced landing.NTSB LAX99LA221Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · San Diego, CAThe mechanic's improper installation of nonapproved automotive electrical system parts, and his failure to ensure that all electrical connections were secure during the reinstallation, which resulted in the failure of the electrical system. The pilot's…NTSB LAX98LA253Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK-55M · Lincoln, CAThe pilot of the other aircraft's inadequate visual lookoutNTSB LAX98FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · El Cajon, CAThe solo student's failure to see and follow the other aircraft on the downwind as he had been instructed. Factors influencing this accident was the failure of the pilots in the other aircraft to see and avoid the aircraft encroaching on his flight path; the…NTSB LAX97LA332Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Long Beach, CAthe student pilot's misjudged landing flare which led to a balloon and subsequent hard landing.NTSB LAX97LA113Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Petaluma, CAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and his failure to maintain directional control.NTSB LAX96LA314Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Truckee, CAthe student pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. The encounter with a ditch was a related factor.