De Havilland DHC-6 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 66 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

66

All Events

32

Incidents

5

Minor

8

Serious

20

Fatal (116 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Aug 11, 2025 San Celmente, CA N344CS Incident substantial Investigation pending
Aug 09, 2025 Whitmore, AZ N189GC Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jun 29, 2008 Baldwin, WI N203SF Incident substantial Undetermined.
Jul 29, 2006 Sullivan, MO N203E Fatal (6) substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed following a loss of power in the right engine due to the fracturing of compressor turbine blades for undeterm…

the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed following a loss of power in the right engine due to the fracturing of compressor turbine blades for undetermined reasons. Contributing to some parachutists' injuries was the lack of a more effective restraint system on the airplane.

Jan 10, 2006 Puerto Jimenez, CS TI-BAF Minor substantial Investigation pending
Dec 16, 2005 Tamarindo, CS TI-AZQ Serious (3) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 04, 2005 Rittman, OH N3434 Serious (1) substantial The pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the ground.
Apr 23, 2005 Deland, FL N24HV Fatal substantial The pilot's inadequate visual lookout.
Jan 27, 2005 Toksook Bay, AK N201EH Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind wind condition, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll, and the colla…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind wind condition, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll, and the collapse of the nose landing gear. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind and wind gusts.

Apr 10, 2003 ANCHORAGE, AK N886EA Incident substantial
The failure of the captain to maintain adequate clearance between the airplane's wingtip and a parked vehicle. A factor contributing to the accident …

The failure of the captain to maintain adequate clearance between the airplane's wingtip and a parked vehicle. A factor contributing to the accident was the failure of ground personnel to utilize a wing walker as prescribed in company policy when aircraft are operated near obstacles.

Jan 21, 2003 Kipnuk, AK N206EH Incident substantial
The captain's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on an icy runw…

The captain's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on an icy runway, which resulted in an excursion from the runway and collision with a snow berm. Contributing factors in the accident are a crosswind, an icy runway, and a snow berm.

Jul 13, 2002 Toksook Bay, AK N885EA Incident substantial A bird strike during takeoff, which resulted in damage to the right wing.
Jun 20, 2002 Ketchikan, AK N353PM Incident substantial
The failure of a ground handler to follow company proceedure/directives, and his premature release of a mooring line. Factors associated with the acc…

The failure of a ground handler to follow company proceedure/directives, and his premature release of a mooring line. Factors associated with the accident were the congested operations area, and the operator's failure to provide adequate safe zones for the airplanes.

Jun 16, 2001 Ottawa, IL N30EA Serious (1) minor the failure of the passenger to maintain clearance from the windmilling propeller after exiting the airplane.
May 27, 2001 Fentress, TX N125PM Fatal minor
the King Air pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision in that he failed to remain in the agreed on formation position, resulting in one of his s…

the King Air pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision in that he failed to remain in the agreed on formation position, resulting in one of his skydiver's contacting the propeller of the de Havilland airplane. A contributing factor was the lack of total experience of both pilots in multiengine formation air drop flights.

May 01, 2001 Star, ID N49SJ Incident substantial Fatigue failure of the nose wheel steering cable during the landing roll. Rough/uneven terrain was a factor.
Mar 24, 2001 Saint Barthelem, GP F-OGES Fatal (19) destroyed Investigation pending
Jan 11, 2001 FORT WORTH, TX N824ED Incident substantial
the loss of power to both engines for undetermined reasons during approach. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to properly position the fu…

the loss of power to both engines for undetermined reasons during approach. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to properly position the fuel selector in accordance with the landing checklist and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Jul 31, 2000 RALEIGH, NC N201RH Fatal (1) destroyed
the pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions, by failing to maintain altitude, and descending from VFR conditions into IMC, which resulted in …

the pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions, by failing to maintain altitude, and descending from VFR conditions into IMC, which resulted in him subsequently impacting with trees. Factors in this accident were: reduced visibility due to dark night and fog. An additional factor was the pilot was not certified for instrument flight.

May 05, 2000 MONUMENT VALLEY, UT N241SA Incident substantial The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was wind shear.
Mar 17, 2000 CARRETO, PM HP-12 Fatal (10) destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 07, 1999 KETCHIKAN, AK N288SA Incident minor
A failure of ground handling personnel to verify a release procedure/directive, and removal of the airplane's tiedown, and subsequent collision with a…

A failure of ground handling personnel to verify a release procedure/directive, and removal of the airplane's tiedown, and subsequent collision with a parked airplane.

May 25, 1999 ANCHORAGE, AK N72GC Incident substantial An in-flight collision with a bird.
Apr 23, 1999 FITIUTA, AS N719AS Incident substantial
the mechanical separation of the left engine beta control linkage during landing rollout, which resulted in asymmetrical decelerative action and the p…

the mechanical separation of the left engine beta control linkage during landing rollout, which resulted in asymmetrical decelerative action and the pilot's subsequent inability to maintain directional control. The separation of the linkage was due to the airline's inadequate inspection and quality assurance procedures. An inoperative windsock pivot point, which resulted in faulty wind direction information to the flight crew was a factor in this accident.

Apr 05, 1999 LANTANA, FL N838MA Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to secure the engine oil filler cap during the preflight inspection that resulted the subsequent loss of engine power, and his in-…

The pilot's failure to secure the engine oil filler cap during the preflight inspection that resulted the subsequent loss of engine power, and his in-flight decision to attempt a single engine go-around with full wing flaps extended.

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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Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data