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
Sep 25, 2002 Pikesville, NC N21689 Minor substantial
The inability of the pilot to see the .250 inch diameter unmarked cable resulting in the in-flight collision with the cable and substantial damage to …

The inability of the pilot to see the .250 inch diameter unmarked cable resulting in the in-flight collision with the cable and substantial damage to the airplane.

Sep 17, 2002 Vincent, TX N9943G Incident substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Jul 16, 2002 Tolley, ND N4866Q Incident substantial The pilot's failure to attain lift-off speed and his failure to abort the takeoff.
Mar 24, 2002 Forrest City, AR N9454J Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a light pole and power lines during an aerial application flight.
Oct 17, 2001 Whiteville, TN N4784R Incident substantial
The failure of the engine driven fuel pump that contaminated the fuel system and restricted fuel flow to the engine.. A factor is rough/uneven terrain…

The failure of the engine driven fuel pump that contaminated the fuel system and restricted fuel flow to the engine.. A factor is rough/uneven terrain.

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.

Jul 02, 2001 Leesburg, FL N21894 Serious (1)
The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout while deploying the grappling hook in preparation for a banner pick up resulting in the cable wrappin…

The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout while deploying the grappling hook in preparation for a banner pick up resulting in the cable wrapping around the stabilizer, subsequent loss of control during the banner drop (due to the cable moving forward and jamming the elevators), and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

Oct 19, 2000 STANTON, TX N53211 Serious (1) destroyed The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with the power lines, while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
Sep 29, 2000 STANTON, TX N4983Q Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from guy wires and tower.
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.
Sep 06, 2000 FARWELL, TX N21635 Minor substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors were the smoke in the cockpit, and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
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.
Jul 21, 2000 LONE PINE, OR N731GR Minor substantial
The complete loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors include an irrigation system in the field where the forced landing took place, and…

The complete loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors include an irrigation system in the field where the forced landing took place, and the pilot's intentional initiation of a ground loop in order to miss the pipes of the irrigation system.

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.
Oct 02, 1998 TELLASSE, AL N4832R Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a utility line while conducting a swath run.
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.
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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