Cessna 208 vs De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
The DHC-6 Twin Otter and Cessna 208 Caravan are utility turboprops — the Twin Otter is the twin-engine STOL workhorse with exceptional short/rough-field and float capability; the Caravan is the single-engine volume leader with lower operating cost and a vast global fleet.
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-6 Twin Otter |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 332 | 2 |
| Serious | 28 | 1 |
| Fatal | 115 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 392 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 35% | 50% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 208 | De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 | — |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 19 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | 182 kts (337 km/h) |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | 799 nm (1,480 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 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 | 2 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-6 Twin Otter
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 208 or De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for the lowest-cost single-engine utility flying and unmatched support. Choose the Twin Otter for twin-engine redundancy and superior STOL/rough-field/float performance — when the mission demands it.
Pick the 208 if…
- Longer range — 1070 nm vs 799 nm.
Pick the DHC-6 Twin Otter if…
- More seats — 19 vs 10.
- Faster cruise — 182 kts vs 170 kts.
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 DHC-6 Twin Otter and Cessna 208 Caravan?
Twin turboprop STOL vs single turboprop utility. The DHC-6 Twin Otter (PT6A-27, ~620 shp each, twin turboprop, 19 seats, STOL, float-capable, ~170 kt) carries 19 seats with STOL and float capability. The Cessna 208 Caravan (PT6A-114A, ~675 shp, single turboprop, 14 seats, ~185 kt) is faster, with 14 seats and simpler single-engine operation.
DHC-6 Twin Otter or Cessna 208 Caravan — which utility aircraft?
Buy the Caravan if: single-turboprop economics, ~185 kt cruise, float capability, and 14-seat utility with global PT6A support define the mission. Buy the Twin Otter if: 19-seat capacity, STOL from short unprepared strips, twin-engine redundancy, and water/ski operations define the mission — the Twin Otter accesses destinations the Caravan cannot.
How does twin-engine redundancy matter in utility operations?
The Twin Otter's two PT6A engines provide redundancy for operations over hostile terrain or water — a safety consideration for scheduled island services. The Caravan's single PT6A has an excellent reliability record, but twin engines provide the engine-out safety margin required by some operators and regulatory environments.
How do specs compare?
DHC-6 Twin Otter: 2× PT6A-27 (~620 shp each), 19 seats, twin turboprop, STOL, float/ski, ~170 kt. Cessna 208B Caravan: PT6A-114A (~675 shp), 14 seats, single turboprop, ~185 kt, float-capable.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Caravan is less expensive per hour — single engine vs two. However, the Twin Otter's 19 seats vs 14 dramatically lower cost per seat-mile when full. For high-density short routes, the Twin Otter's economics are competitive; for utility charter, the Caravan is more economical.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 208 for standard utility and charter where single-turboprop economics are appropriate. DHC-6 Twin Otter for 19-seat STOL island and remote scheduled services — when twin-engine redundancy and access to short water and gravel strips are operationally required.
Which is better, Cessna 208 or De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The DHC-6 Twin Otter cruises at 182 kts with 799 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-6 Twin Otter?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 19.
Cruise: 170 vs 182 kts.
Range: 1070 vs 799 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-6 Twin Otter: 19 seats.
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