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
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.

Aug 16, 1996 WALNUT GROVE, MN N2081J Serious (1) substantial the pilot's failure to maintain proper clearance from the transmission wire.
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 29, 1996 NAPOLEON, ND N5708G Minor substantial
the pilot's improper use of the rudder to correct the airplane's drift to the right. A factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswi…

the pilot's improper use of the rudder to correct the airplane's drift to the right. A factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind.

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.
Sep 08, 1995 GREENVILLE, MI N5623J Fatal (1) destroyed pilot incapacitation.
Aug 19, 1995 RAEFORD, NC N731VX Incident substantial the loss of the abutment seal which resulted in the fatigue failure of the cylinder head.
Aug 14, 1995 MEADE, KS N53376 Minor substantial a fatigue failure of the propeller blade, and inadequate maintenance inspection performed by the propeller shop.
Aug 14, 1995 CANTON, KS N9151R Incident substantial
failure of the pilot to obtain the proper flying speed or to abort the takeoff, while there was sufficient runway remaining, which resulted in an inad…

failure of the pilot to obtain the proper flying speed or to abort the takeoff, while there was sufficient runway remaining, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.

Aug 10, 1995 TOWN CREEK, AL N731DB Incident destroyed The chafing of the fuel flow gage pressure line with an electrical system wire which resulted in arcing.
Aug 08, 1995 TOWN CREEK, AL N731MK Incident substantial THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CHECK THE RUNWAY CONDITION PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. THE SOFT RUNWAY WAS A FACTOR.
Jul 29, 1995 BREMEN, ND N9980G Incident destroyed the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. Deteriating aircraft performance was a factor.
Jul 18, 1995 ALLENDALE, SC N731EM Fatal (1) substantial THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE GUY WIRE.
Jun 15, 1995 ATHENS, AL N8035V Incident destroyed THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE LOOKOUT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE UTILITY LINE.
Jun 15, 1995 HUNTSVILLE, AL N5621G Minor destroyed The downdraft weather condition, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain during his maneuver.
Jun 13, 1995 RED SPRINGS, NC N4916Q Incident substantial
INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE THAT OVERLOOKED CORROSION OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH RESULTED IN AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAK, AN IN FLIGHT FIRE, AND A COMPLET…

INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE THAT OVERLOOKED CORROSION OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH RESULTED IN AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAK, AN IN FLIGHT FIRE, AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.

Jun 13, 1995 GARFIELD, GA N53340 Minor destroyed THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED DURING A CLIMBOUT FROM A SWATH RUN WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL AND THE SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH TREES.
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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