Cessna 208 Aircraft 1990s
1990s single-engine turboprops are early Pilatus PC-12 (1994+) and original Socata/Daher TBM 700 (1990+). PT6A reliability is exceptional; airframes are still well-supported. Avionics typically Honeywell or original PC-12 Bendix/King panel; many have undergone Garmin retrofit. Pre-buy: PT6A hot section inspection status, mandate compliance (ADS-B Out, RVSM if international).
The Cessna 208 Caravan is a rugged, single-engine turboprop utility aircraft that has become one of the most versatile workhorses in aviation. Seating up to 10 passengers, the Caravan is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114 turboprop engine and is known for its ability to operate from short, unpaved runways in remote locations around the world.
With turbine reliability but the simple economics of a single engine and fixed gear, the Caravan trades outright speed for the ability to fill a large cabin and operate from short, unpaved strips. Its fixed landing gear, high wing, and large cargo door make it ideal for operations where simplicity and durability matter more than speed.
The Cessna 208 appeals to a wide range of operators including regional airlines, cargo haulers, skydiving operations, bush operators, and humanitarian organizations. It is a fixture in Alaska, Africa, and the Pacific Islands where it serves communities that depend on air transport. Its proven PT6A engine, cavernous cabin, and legendary reliability make the Caravan one of the most trusted utility aircraft ever built.
6 used Cessna 208 aircraft for sale 1990s · 10-seat · $1,395,000–$3,300,000 · market reference $1,600,000 · updated 12 hours ago
Cessna 208 Specifications
Model specThe Cessna 208 is a 10-seat single engine turboprop with a cruise speed of 170–209 kt (315–387 km/h), a range of 912–1,153 nm (1,689–2,135 km), and a useful load of 3,000–4,000 lbs (1,361–1,814 kg).
Cessna 208 for Sale
Cessna 208 asking prices range from $1,395,000 to $3,300,000, with a median of $2,322,000 (market reference $1,600,000).
Cessna 208 Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F406 Caravan II | 1985–now | 12 | 209 kts (387 km/h) | 1,153 nm (2,135 km) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) | — | Choose the F406 Caravan II for twin-turboprop utility and redundancy in cargo, surveillance or regional operations. | 3 |
| 208B Grand Caravan | 1986–now | 14 | 175 kts (324 km/h) | 912 nm (1,689 km) | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | $1.4M – $3.7M | Buy the 208B Grand Caravan for maximum single-turbine payload and cabin — the workhorse for freight, commuter, skydive and float operations. Consider the shorter 208 Caravan if you need less cabin at lower cost, or a turboprop twin if you require two-engine redundancy. | 19 |
| 208B Grand Caravan EX | 2013–now | 14 | 185 kts (343 km/h) | 912 nm (1,689 km) | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | — | Choose the Grand Caravan EX for the most powerful, high-capacity single-engine turboprop utility - passenger, cargo, bush or float. | 1 |
Compare Cessna 208
See how the Cessna 208 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Cessna 208 Price & Cost
How much does a Cessna 208 cost? Used 208 prices: $1.4M – $3.3M, average $2.3M (median $2.3M); market reference $1.6M, across 8 priced of 6 active listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
The Caravan's cost is PT6 turbine ownership — hot-section and overhaul time on the Pratt & Whitney PT6A, plus the high-cycle wear of cargo, skydive and float operations that run these airframes hard. Budget turbine reserves, phase inspections and equipment upkeep (cargo pod, floats); a strong engine and clean records matter far more than the asking price on a working Caravan.
Cessna 208 Value by Model Year
Median asking price by year of manufacture. Newer airframes command a premium; value falls with age then plateaus on older models.
Lowest around $1,650,000 (2002 models) · highest around $2,995,000 (2022). Bars scaled across the range to show the depreciation curve; hover for exact medians.
Buying a Used Cessna 208
Buying a Cessna 208 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:
What to check before buying
Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 208
What is the Cessna 208 Caravan?
What drives Cessna 208 Caravan operating cost?
Cessna 208 Caravan vs 208B Grand Caravan?
Can the Caravan operate on floats?
Cessna 208 Inventory by Country
| United States | 15 |
| United Kingdom | 4 |
| Canada | 2 |
| South Africa | 1 |
| Hong Kong | 1 |
| France | 1 |
Other Cessna Aircraft
| Cessna Citation III / VII | 26 |
| Cessna Citation II | 21 |
| Cessna Citation I | 11 |
| Cessna Caravan | 8 |
Cessna 208 Safety Record
Across all 208 variants, 332 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1985–2026. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
332
Total Events
130
Incidents
28
Serious
115
Fatal
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 10, 2026 | Kansar, | Incident | — |
| Jan 07, 2026 | Nuwara Eliya, | Incident | — |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Diani, OF | Fatal (1) | — |
| Sep 23, 2025 | Healy, AK | Incident | — |
| Aug 01, 2025 | Anchorage, AK | Incident | The pilot’s decision to continue an unstabilized approach, which resulted in a landing touchdown with insufficient runwa… |
NTSB records 1985–2026. Includes all Cessna 208 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.