Cessna 208 vs De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
The DHC-3 Otter and Cessna 208 Caravan are single-engine utility haulers — the Otter is the classic rugged bush hauler (often turbine-converted); the Caravan is the modern, efficient, widely-supported utility turboprop.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 208 | De Havilland DHC-3 Otter |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 332 | — |
| Serious | 28 | — |
| Fatal | 115 | — |
| Fatalities | 392 | — |
| % Fatal | 35% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 208 | De Havilland DHC-3 Otter |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 | — |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 10 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 600 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | 120 kts (222 km/h) |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | 830 nm (1,537 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 335.0 gal (1268 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $120,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 208
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$260,000/yr
De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
Fuel$192/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 208 or De Havilland DHC-3 Otter?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for a modern airframe, lower operating cost and a vast global support network. Choose the Otter (especially turbine) for classic bush ruggedness, float capability and big-load character — accepting an older airframe and specialist support.
Pick the 208 if…
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 120 kts.
- Longer range — 1070 nm vs 830 nm.
Pick the DHC-3 Otter if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 208 Caravan and de Havilland Otter?
Era and engine type. The Cessna 208 Caravan (PT6A-114A turboprop, ~675 shp, up to 14 seats, ~185 kt, floatplane-capable) is the modern utility turboprop standard, globally operated. The de Havilland Otter (DHC-3, Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial, ~600 hp, 9–11 seats, ~130 kt, STOL, float/ski) is the large Canadian bush single — a 1950s design still in active service, frequently turbine-converted.
Cessna 208 or de Havilland Otter — which utility single?
Buy the Cessna 208 if: modern turboprop efficiency, up to 14-seat capacity, global PT6A support, and cargo versatility define the mission. Buy the Otter if: STOL from short water bases, 9–11 seats on floats, and the Otter's iconic water-operations capability are priorities. Many Otters have been turbine-converted (PT6A) for modern efficiency.
How does the Otter's STOL capability compare to the Caravan?
The Otter is a STOL specialist — designed for short water runways and rough strips. Its large Fowler flaps and high-lift wing allow takeoff and landing from shorter distances than the Caravan. For island and remote water operations, the Otter's STOL advantage is meaningful; the Caravan favours longer, prepared surfaces.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 208B Caravan: PT6A-114A (~675 shp), up to 14 seats, ~185 kt, float-capable. DHC-3 Otter: R-1340 (~600 hp radial), 9–11 seats, float/ski/wheel, ~130 kt, STOL.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Caravan's PT6A offers more efficient fuel burn per shp than the Otter's radial, and global PT6A support keeps maintenance competitive. Turbine-converted Otters close this gap. For standard utility operations, the Caravan is more economical; for float-specific operations in Otter-supported markets, costs can be comparable.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 208 for modern utility, cargo, and up-to-14-seat operations with global PT6A support. de Havilland Otter for iconic float and STOL operations — particularly 9–11 seat float work in Canada, Alaska, and island markets where the Otter community and capability are the priority.
Which is better, Cessna 208 or De Havilland DHC-3 Otter?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The DHC-3 Otter cruises at 120 kts with 830 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 208 and De Havilland DHC-3 Otter?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
Cruise: 170 vs 120 kts.
Range: 1070 vs 830 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
208: about $700/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
208: 10 seats / 3,300 lb useful load.
DHC-3 Otter: 10 seats / 3,000 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
208: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data