N7172Z is not currently registered. It was last assigned to a Hughes 500C built in 1970. The FAA cancelled the registration on June 18, 2012 when the aircraft was exported to New Zealand. The last status on file was "valid registration". The number has been on and off the register 2 times.
Hughes 500C cancelled June 18, 2012
- Serial number
- 1220438S
- Type
- Rotorcraft · Turboshaft
- Year built
- 1970
- Last status
- Valid registration
- Exported to
- New Zealand
- Certificate issued
- November 7, 2006
- Last FAA action
- September 16, 2010
- Last owner
- Southern Aircraft Consultancy INC Trustee (Corporation)
Dereham Norfolk, - Airworthiness
- Standard · Normal
Piper PA-25-235 cancelled September 9, 1971
- Serial number
- 253038
- Type
- Fixed-wing, single engine · Piston (reciprocating)
- Year built
- —
- Last status
- Valid registration
- Exported to
- Mexico
- Certificate issued
- November 17, 1964
- Last FAA action
- —
- Last owner
- Cloud C L (Individual)
Los Fresnos, TX - Airworthiness
- None on file
NTSB accident and incident record under N7172Z
Aircraft on the NTSB record: Hughes 500C · serial 1220438S
The pilot's misjudgment of altitude and failure to apply collective cushioning pitch during an autorotation resulting in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power due to a loose coupling B-nut on the pneumatic fuel control system, and improper maintenance inspection of helicopter by unknown maintenance personnel.
A tail number passes between aircraft over the years; match the serial number on the NTSB record against the airframe above. Source: NTSB aviation accident database, records through September 30, 2026.
Source: FAA Civil Aviation Registry, Releasable Aircraft Database, October 2, 2026. See this number on the FAA site