NTSB investigations: Cessna 172N, CA
251 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna 172N. 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
| 1967 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1977 | 2 |
| 1978 | 9 |
| 1979 | 6 |
| 1980 | 11 |
| 1981 | 11 |
| 1982 | 14 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 11 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 4 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2026 | 3 |
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 ('2072434'))
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 ('2072434'))
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 WPR27LA009Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationInvestigation openCessna 172N · Knights Landing, CANTSB WPR26FA330Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 172N · San Diego, CAOn September 7, 2026, about 1720 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N734ZK, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near San Diego, California. The flight instructor and student pilot were fatally injured. The airplane was being operated as a…NTSB WPR26LA169Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Carlsbad, CAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while landing in gusting crosswind conditions.NTSB WPR24LA229Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · San Diego, CAA failure of the No. 2 cylinder due to fatigue cracking as the result of an undersized fillet radius around the edge of the cylinder head dome.NTSB WPR24LA089Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Madera, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.NTSB WPR24LA049Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Watsonville, CAAn in-flight collision with a bird while in the initial climb.NTSB OPS24LA004IncidentClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus A321-271N · Long Beach, CAThe local controller’s poor judgment in prioritization of their ground traffic ahead of their airborne traffic, that became a distraction and led to a loss of situational awareness resulting in a near midair collision. Contributing to the incident was the…NTSB WPR23LA349Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Compton, CAThe total loss of engine power on takeoff due to water-contaminated fuel. Contributing to the accident was the inadequately maintained fuel system, which resulted in water entering the fuel tanks through the filler caps.NTSB WPR23LA274Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Long Beach, CAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing and the subsequent go-around, which resulted in impact with a hangar.NTSB WPR23FA258Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172N · San Rafael, CAThe total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing as a result of the pilot’s failure to activate the carburetor heat in a timely manner during the descent.NTSB WPR23FA247Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172N · Murrieta, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot’s sudden retraction of the flaps.NTSB WPR23LA124Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Van Nuys, CAThe pilots failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.NTSB WPR22LA069Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Auburn, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an instrument approach, which resulted in an impact with power lines.NTSB WPR21LA348Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Grass Valley, CAThe pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point on the runway while landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction due to an electrical issue.NTSB WPR21LA331Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Hayward, CAThe pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced hard landing.NTSB WPR21LA311Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Kernville, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing after an encounter with a wind gust which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB WPR21LA069Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · San Diego, CAA partial loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the No. 3 exhaust valve rocker arm stud.NTSB WPR21LA080Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Palm Springs, CAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, aerodynamic stall, and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR20LA212Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Lake Tahoe, CAThe partial loss of engine power due to carbon buildup in the No. 4 cylinder resulting from the pilot’s inadequate mixture-leaning procedures.NTSB WPR20CA178Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Santa Barbara, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a fence.NTSB WPR20LA136Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Fresno, CAThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB GAA19CA448Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a left quartering crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with runway lighting.NTSB GAA19CA247Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Auburn, CAThe pilot's improper retraction of the flaps during a go-around and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ANC18LA079Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Fullerton, CAThe National Transportation Safety Board did not determine the probable cause of this event and does not plan to issue a report or open a public docket. The investigation of this event is being conducted under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of…NTSB GAA18CA232Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · San Jose, CAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain the runway heading during the approach to land, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.NTSB GAA18CA063Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · San Diego, CAAn in-flight collision with a bird.NTSB WPR17FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Bolinas, CAThe non-instrument rated private pilot's improper decision to embark on a flight and continue to fly into forecasted instrument meteorological conditions and mountain obscuration while conducting a visual flight rules flight.NTSB WPR17FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Big Bear, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB GAA17CA411Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSpani Wayne M Starduster TOO SA300 · San Diego, CAThe other pilot's failure to maintain separation from a stationary airplane during the taxi to the runway.NTSB WPR17FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Moss Beach, CAThe pilot's loss of airplane control following an encounter with low level wind shear and turbulence during final approach for landing. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot's decision to retract the wing flaps on final approach, which resulted in…NTSB GAA16CA511Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Auburn, CAThe pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.NTSB GAA16CA371Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · San Diego, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness while taxiing, which resulted in an impact with a stationary fuel truck.NTSB WPR16FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 172N · Avalon, CAUndetermined because the airplane was not located.NTSB GAA16CA202Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Camarillo, CAThe student pilot's incorrect pitch control input, resulting in a porpoise during landing and substantial damage to the airplane's firewall.NTSB WPR14CA399Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · Thermal, CAThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing after an encounter with a dust devil.NTSB WPR14LA099Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 24-250 · San Jose, CAThe pilot’s failure to sump the fuel tanks, which resulted in water contamination, a partial loss of engine power during takeoff, and collision with a taxiing airplane during the subsequent forced landing.NTSB WPR14LA080Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Pacoima, CAThe flight instructor’s inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswind conditions during landing, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR13LA402Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Long Beach, CAThe total loss of engine power during initial climb due to debris within the carburetor mixture metering sleeve.NTSB WPR12LA093Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Fresno, CAThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to performance-impairing drugs.NTSB WPR10LA307Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Angels Camp, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering.NTSB WPR10CA007Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · San Diego, CAThe pilot’s improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.NTSB WPR09FA248Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Long Beach, CAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other's aircraft.NTSB WPR09LA245Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Desert Center, CAA partial loss of engine power due to low compression from an obstructed intake valve. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to shut down the engine while in flight.NTSB WPR09LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Oceanside, CAA loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09LA122Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Big Bear Lake, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a ravine. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight in an area that exceeded the climb rate capabilities of the airplane.NTSB SEA08LA191Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Burbank, CAThe pilot's improper preflight and in-flight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's loss of situational awareness while conducting the normal and emergency checklists during his turn from base to final…NTSB LAX08LA206Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · El Cajon, CAThe loss of engine power due to carburetor ice resulting from the flight instructor's failure to use the carburetor heat when simulating an engine failure. Contributing to the accident were the carburetor icing weather condition and the lack of suitable…NTSB LAX08CA149Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · Palo Alto, CAThe pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.NTSB LAX08FA049Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Corona, CAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane.NTSB SEA08CA030Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · Atwater, CAThe failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors contributing to the accident included the sign and the ditch.