The Cessna 172 is a four-seat single engined high wing light aircraft of all-metal construction, developed by Cessna Aircraft Company, Wichita, Kansas, USA. Introduced in 1955, the Model 172 was initially a Model 170 with tricycle undercarriage and altered tail unit. The Model 172 was approved by the FAA on 4 November 1955. The first flight of the prototype was in November 1955. The 172 became an sales success and over 1400 were built in 1956, its first full year of production. The first major design change was introduced in the Model 172A, quantity deliveries of which began in 1960. The Model 172A featured swept vertical tail surfaces and was followed into production by the Model 172B late in 1960. A de luxe version of the Model 172B was introduced simultaneously as the Skyhawk. The 1962 model was the Cessna 172C, followed in 1963 by the Model 172D, and in 1964 by the Model 172E. In 1964, Cessna won a contract with the U.S. Air Force for one hundred and seventy aircraft Model 172 aircraft, under the designation Cessna T-41A. The first T-41A was delivered in September 1964. The Cessna T-41A Mescalero primairy trainer was used as initial flight screening aircraft in USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). Over the years, U.S. Air Force ordered 855 of the aircraft in ever more powerful versions from models A through D, the latter with a 210-horsepower engine and a variable-pitch propeller. The Air Force and Naval academies used the T-41 to train cadets, while the U.S. Army used it for reconnaissance. Beginning in 1993 the U.S. military phased out the Mescalero. The 1965 Model 172F introduced electrically operated flaps to replace the previous lever-operated system. The Model 172F (USAF T-41A) was approved by the FAA on 21 April 1964. Starting with the Model 172F the Cessna 172 was built in France by Reims Cessna as the F172 until 1971. These aircraft were identical to the US-built aircraft but the French aircraft were given DGAC Type Certificates. The Cessna model in 1966 was the 172G, followed in 1967 by the Model 172H. In 1968 not only Model 172I was introduced, but also a new model the 177. The 1969 model 172K was, despite some developments in production as Model 172K in 1970. The Model 172L was in production during 1971 and 1972. The Model 172M gained a drooped wing leading edge for improved low speed handling. The 172M was also the first to introduce the optional `II' package of higher standard equipment. The 172M of 1973 was in production in the period 1973-1976. Also in 1976 Cessna stopped marketing the aircraft as the 172. Model 172N, the Skyhawk N, or Skyhawk/100 as Cessna termed it, was introduced for the 1977 model year. The Model 172N remained in production until 1980 when the Model 172P or Skyhawk P was introduced. Production of the Model 172P, or Skyhawk P ended in 1985 and Cessna stopped production entirely in 1986 for ten years due to the high cost of liability. After the General Aviation Revitalization Act became law, Cessna resumed production in Independence, Kansas. The Skyhawk R was introduced in 1996 and is powered by a derated Lycoming IO-360L2A producing a maximum of 160 hp. This is the first Cessna 172 to have a factory fitted fuel-injected engine. The Cessna 172S was introduced in 1998. This model is marketed under the name Skyhawk SP, although the Type Certiciation data sheet specifies it is a 172S. As of 2007, both the R and S models are in production. With more than 43,000 aircraft with several model variants delivered, the Skyhawk is the best-selling, most-flown plane ever built.

In 1977, the Hawk XP was introduced. Utilizing a 195-hp fuel-injected powerplant turning a constant-speed propeller, it offered the pilot 1,000 pounds of useful load and a 150-mph cruising speed for cross-country transportation. In 1979, optional integral fuel cells increased usable fuel to 66 gallons for a range of 938 miles with a 45-minute reserve. In addition to the standard four seats, an optional child’s seat could be added for extra seating capacity. With the 1981 model year, handling characteristics of the XP were significantly improved by the addition of rounded leading edges on the elevators.

The 1977-built Cessna FR.172K Hawk XP s/n FR1722296 was registered N5418V in the USA with 18 February 1977 as Airworthiness date. Until 2012, The N5418V was operated by a number of privat owners in the USA. On 9 June 2012, slae was reported to a privat owner in Etten Leur, the Netherlands. In May 2013, Cessna FR.172K Hawk XP N5418V was based at Hilversum airfield in the Netherlands. On 10 November 2019, the N5418V was seen at Hoogeveen airfield with 'Blue love' inscriptions on its tail.

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