Cessna 208 vs De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Mk I
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-2 Beaver Mk I |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 332 | — |
| Serious | 28 | — |
| Fatal | 115 | — |
| Fatalities | 392 | — |
| % Fatal | 35% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 208 | De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Mk I |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 | $850,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | — |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | — |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 335.0 gal (1268 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $120,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | — |
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-2 Beaver Mk I
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 208 or De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Mk I?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Mk I: from $850,000.
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-2 Beaver Mk I?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
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.
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