How many accidents has the Vans RV8 had?

The NTSB has recorded 23 events involving the Vans RV8: 5 fatal, 4 serious, 3 minor injuries, and 10 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Vans RV8 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Vans RV8 has 23 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Vans RV8 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 23 events recorded from 2010 to 2025.

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (6 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Aug 15, 2024	Guthrie, OK	N184DC	Incident	substantial	A loss of engine power due to the separation and ingestion of an air filter retaining bracket into the engine cylinder.
Jul 01, 2023	Metaline Falls, WA	N68TP	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing due to impact with a concrete ring embedded in the grass runway.
Sep 03, 2021	Delray, FL	N388RV	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and improper fuel planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.
May 21, 2020	Hampton, GA	N665HM	Incident	substantial	A right main landing gear break malfunction during landing. Contributing to the accident was a worn right main landing gear caliper pin and pressure p… A right main landing gear break malfunction during landing. Contributing to the accident was a worn right main landing gear caliper pin and pressure plate hole.
Mar 04, 2020	Harrison, OH	N878DZ	Incident	substantial	The malfunction of the steerable tailwheel, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing roll and subsequent impact with the pre… The malfunction of the steerable tailwheel, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing roll and subsequent impact with the precision approach path indicator lights system.
Feb 15, 2020	Columbus, MS	N7736T	Incident	destroyed	The inadvertent engine start of the unoccupied airplane, which resulted in it moving forward and impacting a hangar and an electrical box.
Jun 29, 2019	Joplin, MO	N678LL	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
Jan 24, 2016	Chiang Mai, TH	HS-GMC	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Apr 21, 2011	Locust Grove, GA	N190GE	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff roll.
Jul 10, 2010	Port Orange, FL	N801RG	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout.

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

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Vans RV8 Safety Record

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