Cessna 188 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 259 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

259

All Events

174

Incidents

29

Minor

27

Serious

25

Fatal (24 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Oct 08, 2018 Rolla, MO N685JM Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in a left quartering tailwind.
Aug 02, 2018 Watkins, MN N5523S Incident substantial
A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanica…

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Jul 25, 2016 What Cheer, IA N9979G Incident substantial
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons due to the pilot not making the airplane or engine available for examination, which resulted in a fo…

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons due to the pilot not making the airplane or engine available for examination, which resulted in a forced landing and an impact with terrain.

Jul 01, 2016 Saratoga, WY N60691 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll resulting in substantial damage.
May 26, 2015 Polson, MT N53141 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane pitch, power, and turn coordination while maneuvering at low altitude, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and …

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane pitch, power, and turn coordination while maneuvering at low altitude, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and a collision with terrain.

Aug 16, 2014 Hearne, TX N878C Serious (1) substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a crop.
Aug 13, 2014 Columbus, NM N9849V Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to release the load of agricultural product before the landing approach and his failure to maintain aircraft control during an ini…

The pilot’s failure to release the load of agricultural product before the landing approach and his failure to maintain aircraft control during an initial climb after an aborted landing, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.

Sep 04, 2013 Woodrow, SC N59JK Minor substantial A failure of the right rudder pedal arm due to corrosion as a result of inadequate maintenance and inspection of the rudder pedal assembly.
Mar 02, 2012 Querencia do Norte, BR PR-STO Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Oct 08, 2011 Starkville, MS N5424E Incident substantial The pilot did not maintain directional control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Jun 14, 2011 Glasgow, MT N9802V Minor substantial The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Sep 14, 2010 Geraldton Aerodrome, Australia, AS VH-KZF Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Jun 14, 2010 Blackfoot, ID N9357K Incident substantial A loss of directional control during the landing roll as a result of a worn tail wheel locking mechanism.
Jul 16, 2007 New Hartford, MO N4412Q Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the tree line during the turn between aerial application passes. The low altitude, the downdraft encou…

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the tree line during the turn between aerial application passes. The low altitude, the downdraft encountered by the pilot, and the trees were contributing factors.

Jun 26, 2007 Wyaconda, MO N4998Q Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees. A factor in the accident was the trees.
Oct 11, 2006 Belhaven, NC N91181 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions and maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in-flight …

The pilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions and maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

Jul 26, 2005 Mexico, MO N731SV Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors were the grass terrain adjacent to the runway and the collapse of the main landing gear.
Jun 20, 2005 Fairview, MT N2133U Minor substantial
While in cruise flight a separation of a propeller blade as a result of a propeller hub crack. Factors contributing to the accident included the inst…

While in cruise flight a separation of a propeller blade as a result of a propeller hub crack. Factors contributing to the accident included the installation of an unapproved propeller, and the failure to properly service the propeller with red dyed oil for crack protection.

Jun 19, 2005 Senath, MO N9778G Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the tower guy wires. A factor was the extra antenna guy wire.
Jun 15, 2004 Rush Springs, OK N21650 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a utility pole and power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application.
May 15, 2004 Pleasant Hill, MO N188SA Minor substantial Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's improper fuel calculations. Contributing factors to the accident included the inaccurate fuel gage and the trees.
Mar 25, 2004 Planada, CA N478Q Incident destroyed
the partial loss of engine power due to the separation of the number 5 cylinder fuel injector supply line. The fuel line separation was due to compan…

the partial loss of engine power due to the separation of the number 5 cylinder fuel injector supply line. The fuel line separation was due to company maintenance personnel's failure to secure the b-nut fitting following maintenance. Factors in the accident were the unsuitable nature of the terrain where the engine problem developed and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while attempting to reach a suitable forced landing spot, which led to an inadvertent stall.

Aug 23, 2003 Monette, AR N5647G Incident substantial Failure of the right brake and the pilot's inability to maintain directional control. A factor associated with the accident was the ditch.
Aug 20, 2003 Freeman, SD N8150V Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and clearance during landing roll. Additional factors included the pilot's improper recovery from…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and clearance during landing roll. Additional factors included the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, the crosswind and the corn crop.

Feb 04, 2003 Badger, Nfld, CA N6606Q Incident substantial Investigation pending
Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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