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 02, 2025 Guayabal-Meta, OF HK1635 Incident substantial Investigation pending
Feb 19, 2025 La Puntilla, EC HC-CAZ Incident substantial Investigation pending
Feb 19, 2025 Aerocity airstrip, EC HC-CAZ Incident minor Investigation pending
Dec 09, 2024 Barra Bonita, BR PR-WDK Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jun 22, 2023 Vereda Puerto, OF HK1971 Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jun 18, 2021 Bataypora, BR PR-ACK Incident substantial Investigation pending
Feb 01, 2021 Viamao, OF PR-STO Incident substantial Investigation pending
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 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.

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, 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.

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.
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
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.

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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