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
Aug 22, 2001 Almond, WI N91138 Incident substantial
the pilot failed to maintain clearance from the corn crop. Additional factors were the inoperative spray pump, the corn crop, and the pilot's divert…

the pilot failed to maintain clearance from the corn crop. Additional factors were the inoperative spray pump, the corn crop, and the pilot's diverted attention.

Sep 10, 2000 TAMPA, FL N9977G Incident substantial The failure of the number six-piston connecting rod that resulted in the total loss of engine power.
Aug 06, 2000 WASHINGTON, NC N4439Q Incident substantial a loss of engine power for undetermined reason, resulting in a forced landing, and subsequent impact with a ditch.
Aug 09, 1999 SIDNEY, MT N9085R Incident substantial The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions.
Feb 13, 1999 ALEXANDRIA, LA N8295G Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll resulting in an inadvertent ground loop.
Oct 10, 1998 PATRICK, SC N9890V Incident substantial The failure of the number 2 piston for undetermined reasons.
Sep 02, 1998 DIXON, CA N202AW Incident destroyed A partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and the ignition of a highly combustible compound in the application hopper.
Aug 10, 1998 ATLANTIC OCEAN, AO N6300G Incident destroyed
A complete loss of engine power due to loss of oil pressure, resulting in a force landing on non suitable terrain, and the subsequent sinking of the a…

A complete loss of engine power due to loss of oil pressure, resulting in a force landing on non suitable terrain, and the subsequent sinking of the airplane in deep water.

Jul 11, 1998 ATLANTA, NE N9247R Incident substantial
A loss of engine power due to a loose 'B' nut on the fuel line fitting. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintain and the soft terrain…

A loss of engine power due to a loose 'B' nut on the fuel line fitting. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintain and the soft terrain.

Jun 22, 1998 SOUTH HAVEN, MI N9209R Incident substantial the pilot misjudging his distance and not maintaining the proper altitude. A factor was trees.
Jun 08, 1998 TALKEETNA, AK N9247G Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to identify an unsafe/hazardous taxiway condition. A factor associated with this accident was the presence of rough and uneven te…

The pilot's failure to identify an unsafe/hazardous taxiway condition. A factor associated with this accident was the presence of rough and uneven terrain conditions.

Mar 04, 1998 HOUSTON, MS N53382 Incident substantial
corrosion and subsequent disconnect of the left aileron control rod end fitting, which resulted in a loss of aileron (roll) control, a forced landing,…

corrosion and subsequent disconnect of the left aileron control rod end fitting, which resulted in a loss of aileron (roll) control, a forced landing, and subsequent impact with the terrain. A factor related to the accident was: improper lubrication of the control rod.

Aug 26, 1997 SOUTH HAVEN, MI N21639 Incident substantial
failure of a connecting rod in the engine assembly, which resulted in loss of engine power and a forced landing. Factors relating to the accident were…

failure of a connecting rod in the engine assembly, which resulted in loss of engine power and a forced landing. Factors relating to the accident were: lack of a recommended engine overhaul, and the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing.

Aug 15, 1997 ELOY, AZ N9957J Incident substantial The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and his failure to maintain directional control due to inadequate rudder use.
Jul 28, 1997 BENSON, NC N53240 Incident destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout during a swath run resulting in an in-flight collision with a cable, subsequent loss of engine power,…

The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout during a swath run resulting in an in-flight collision with a cable, subsequent loss of engine power, forced landing, and an in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power due to the separation of the gascolator (wire strike) resulting in fuel starvation.

Jul 28, 1997 HALSTEAD, KS N4864Q Incident substantial
the pilot failed to maintain adequate clearance from the transmission wires. Factors included the malfunctioning of the wire cutter and pilot fatigue…

the pilot failed to maintain adequate clearance from the transmission wires. Factors included the malfunctioning of the wire cutter and pilot fatigue.

Jul 23, 1997 ADAMS, NE N4926R Incident substantial
inadequate maintenance/annual inspection, and subsequent exhaustion of hydraulic (brake) fluid, which resulted in loss of braking action (right brake)…

inadequate maintenance/annual inspection, and subsequent exhaustion of hydraulic (brake) fluid, which resulted in loss of braking action (right brake) and impact with a tree. The proximity of tree(s) was a related factor.

Oct 31, 1996 OCILLA, GA N731BQ Incident substantial The pilot's failure to adequately preflight and plan the fuel required for the flight.
Sep 25, 1996 PATASKALA, OH N3619J Incident substantial
deterioration and fuel leakage from an engine fuel hose (with a service life that had been exceed, due to inadequate maintenance), which resulted in a…

deterioration and fuel leakage from an engine fuel hose (with a service life that had been exceed, due to inadequate maintenance), which resulted in an engine compartment fire and subsequent damage to the airplane.

Jul 30, 1996 CIMARRON, KS N441Q Incident substantial the pilot's failure to make a timely decision to abort the takeoff or dump the payload.
Jul 28, 1996 DECATUR, TX N1556M Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the prevailing crosswind.
Jul 26, 1996 SANTANTA, KS N8086V Incident substantial
a loss of power due to a broken number four cylinder exhaust valve push rod and a bent number four cylinder intake valve push rod. The wet, soft corn…

a loss of power due to a broken number four cylinder exhaust valve push rod and a bent number four cylinder intake valve push rod. The wet, soft cornfield was a factor.

Jul 10, 1996 INDEPENDENCE, IA N9542J Incident substantial the delayed jettison of the dry chemicals by the pilot. The inability of the airplane to climb was a related factor.
Jul 01, 1996 PELHAM, GA N9088R Incident substantial
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control on the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and colliding with a c…

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control on the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and colliding with a cotton picker (vehicle).

May 21, 1996 ROSEAU, MN N2062J Incident substantial the pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff. The crosswind was a factor.
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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