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NTSB investigations: Cessna 172K, CA

78 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna 172K. 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.

Defining event

Finding

Phase of flight

Aircraft model

Cases per year

19692026

NTSB investigations: Cessna 172K, CA per year, 1969–2026: 78 cases
1969	4
1970	6
1971	10
1972	6
1973	8
1974	2
1975	3
1976	5
1977	5
1978	1
1979	1
1980	2
1981	2
1982	2
1984	1
1985	1
1986	1
1988	2
1992	1
1993	2
1994	1
1999	1
2000	2
2002	1
2004	1
2005	1
2011	1
2013	1
2016	1
2018	1
2021	1
2025	1

Where

Latest cases

Query with 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 ('2072430')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

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 ('2072430'))
  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 ('2072430'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

Run 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 WPR25LA082Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172K · Columbia, CAA partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jan 23, 2025 · N79910 · Substantial damage NTSB WPR21LA364Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Auburn, CAThe student pilot’s inadequate flare which resulted in a hard and bounced landing.Sep 19, 2021 · N84068 · Substantial damage NTSB GAA19CA014Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Stockton, CAThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.Oct 5, 2018 · N78239 · Substantial damage NTSB WPR16LA093Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Avalon, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path on landing because he failed to familiarize himself with the airport's unique approach hazards and recommended procedures before the flight. Also causal was the pilot's failure to recognize the airplane's…Apr 17, 2016 · N7133G · Destroyed NTSB WPR14FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Fresno, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees while on approach, which subsequently led to a loss of airplane control. Also causal was the pilot’s continued operation of the airplane at night with a diagnosed medical condition that degraded…Dec 27, 2013 · N251JM · Destroyed NTSB WPR12CA049Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172K · Napa, CAThe student pilot's improper landing flare, inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, and loss of directional control.Nov 28, 2011 · N7952A · Substantial damage NTSB LAX05LA124Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American AT-6C · Chino, CAthe pilot of the other airplane's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from obstacles while taxiing.Mar 26, 2005 · N7055H · 2 aircraft · Minor damage NTSB LAX04FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Grass Valley, CAthe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain an adequate terrain/object clearance altitude. Also causal was the pilot's improper in-flight decision to return to the origin airport in the face of…Jan 20, 2004 · N99LR · Destroyed NTSB LAX02LA172Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Lake Thomas A., CAa partial loss of engine power due to the partial malfunction of the left magneto and leakage of the ignition leads for that magneto, due to inadequate maintenance inspections. Factors in the accident include the high density altitude, the maintenance…May 24, 2002 · N79944 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX00LA335Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Novato, CAFailure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing rollout resulting in a collision with a berm.Sep 11, 2000 · N84828 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX00LA289Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Palo Alto, CAThe pilot of the other airplane's (Cessna) inadequate visual lookout and misjudged distance to the standing Beech.Jul 15, 2000 · N79004 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage NTSB LAX99LA252Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Taft, CAThe pilot's selection of the wrong runway in consideration of the wind conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control. The pilot's decision to abort the landing attempt with inadequate runway remaining for the takeoff phase was also…Jul 16, 1999 · N46451 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX94LA123Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · New Cuyama, CAthe pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft.Feb 12, 1994 · N7333G · Substantial damage NTSB LAX93LA277Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Torrance, CAAn encounter with a windshear condition. The delayed banner jettison was a factor.Jul 5, 1993 · N79034 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX93FA110Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Gorman, CAThe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditionsFeb 7, 1993 · N79411 · Destroyed NTSB LAX92LA281Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Agua Caliente, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain an adequate approach airspeed and an inadvertent stall/mush condition which resulted in a collision with the ground short of the runway. A factor in the accident was the pilots lack of total experience in type of aircraft.Jul 5, 1992 · N78669 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX88LA313Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Fresno, CAThe pilot stated that he had mistakenly lined up for final approach on taxiway rather than runway 29L as instructed. When he was on short final the control tower informed him of his mistake. While maneuvering to line up on runway 29L, the pilot lost control…Sep 8, 1988 · N79226 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX88LA257Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Palmdale, CAWhile cruising at 9500 feet, the pilot noted that the oil pressure was low. Shortly after, the engine quit. The pilot turned toward an airport, however, the airplane was landed short of the runway and nosed over in soft sand during the landing roll.…Jul 15, 1988 · N46373 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX86LA350Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Novato, CAThe pilot attempted a crosswind landing at the end of a pleasure cross country flight. A loss of directional control occurred on short final and the aircraft drifted right of the runway. A go-around was attempted without success and the aircraft rolled off…Sep 14, 1986 · N7181G · Substantial damage NTSB LAX85LA349Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Santa Paula, CAOn a local flt to view camping and hiking facilities in mountainous terrain, the acft entered a box canyon with a moderately rising floor and steep sides reported by the sheriff's department at about one-quarter of a mile wide. Duringan attempted course…Aug 15, 1985 · N79504 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX84LA226Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Lancaster, CAThe acft was blown over as it turned crosswind in gusts up to 40 KTS. The plt said he was using the procedures for taxiing in wind conditions. The Cessna 172 is limited to a 15 kt crosswind component for takeoff.Mar 21, 1984 · N78178 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX82FA170Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Huntington Beac, CAThe pilot reported that while he was on final approach to runway 19, he applied full flaps near the airport boundary and the aircraft veered to the right. He said that the aircraft did not respond to aileron control inputs. The aircraft continued to the…May 12, 1982 · N7394G · Substantial damage NTSB LAX82FA078Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Hollister, CAThe aircraft flew into the side of a mountain in level cruise. The accident happened during weather in which VFR flight had not been recommended. Clouds were obscuring the mountains. The aircraft was on the return leg of a cross-country flight. No flight plan…Feb 14, 1982 · N99WM · Destroyed NTSB LAX82FUA08Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Laguna Beach, CADec 27, 1981 · N79965 · Destroyed NTSB LAX81FUG27Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 172 · Hesperia, CAMay 2, 1981 · N7490G · Substantial damage NTSB LAX81DUQ03Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Inyokern, CANov 23, 1980 · N78595 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX80DUG21Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Blythe, CAFeb 17, 1980 · N7031G · Substantial damage NTSB OAK79FVD34Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Livermore, CAJun 30, 1979 · N7134G · Substantial damage NTSB LAX78DUM26Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Brawley, CAJun 4, 1978 · N79130 · Substantial damage NTSB OAK78FVG10Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172 · Sacramento, CANov 21, 1977 · N78027 · Substantial damage NTSB OAK78FA004Accident · 4 fatalClosedCessna 172K · Willits, CANov 4, 1977 · N7330G · Destroyed NTSB LAX77FVA46Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Bakersfield, CAAug 2, 1977 · N7232G · Substantial damage NTSB LAX77DUG48Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Lenwood, CAJun 27, 1977 · N7375G · Substantial damage NTSB OAK77DXQ15Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Mammoth Lakes, CAApr 24, 1977 · N46612 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX77DUG15Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172 · Riverside, CADec 10, 1976 · N84343 · Substantial damage NTSB OAK76FVH12Accident · Serious injuriesClosedCessna 172 · Dunsmuir, CASep 9, 1976 · N46630 · Destroyed NTSB LAX76FVM45Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 172 · S.Luis Obispo, CAAug 21, 1976 · N79101 · Substantial damage NTSB OAK76DVG53Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172 · Georgetown, CAMar 14, 1976 · N84604 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX76FUG29Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Corona, CAJan 3, 1976 · N872WR · Substantial damage NTSB OAK75DVD50Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 172 · Concord, CAMay 30, 1975 · N84793 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX75FUM27Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 172K · San Marcos, CAMay 29, 1975 · N7388G · Destroyed NTSB LAX75DUM17Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172 · Salton Sea Cty, CAFeb 12, 1975 · N46404 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX75FUA19Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Avalon, CADec 31, 1974 · N84754 · Substantial damage NTSB OAK75FVM17Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172D · San Carlos, CADec 15, 1974 · N79893 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX74FUG13Accident · Serious injuriesClosedCessna 172 · Loma Linda, CASep 8, 1973 · N78084 · Destroyed NTSB LAX74DUG12Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Yucca Valy, CAAug 29, 1973 · N79034 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX74DVA10Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Delano, CAAug 6, 1973 · N84195 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX73FUM33Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Calexico, CAMay 28, 1973 · N79548 · Substantial damage NTSB LAX73FUA40Accident · No injuriesClosedWaco UPF-7 · Santa Ana, CAApr 29, 1973 · N30141 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage NTSB LAX73FUM28Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172K · Oceanside, CAApr 6, 1973 · N79087 · Substantial damage