Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Hello aviators, how are you today? My name is Magnar Nordal. I am an ATR captain and instructor. In this video, I take an in-depth look at the safety records of two of the most iconic regional turboprop aircraft: the ATR and Dash 8. Both aircraft have served airlines for over four decades, proving their reliability, efficiency, and versatility. But when it comes to safety, which one is better?
As an ATR captain and instructor with over 25 years of experience, I aim to provide a factual and objective comparison. I’ve analyzed every hull loss incident recorded in the Aviation Safety Network (ASN), a database managed by the Flight Safety Foundation. By breaking down the numbers and examining the causes behind each accident, we can gain a clearer picture of each aircraft’s safety performance.
Accident Data Overview:
• ATR: 80 hull losses.
• Dash 8: 39 hull losses.
ATRs outnumber Dash 8s by about 30%, but their total losses are double that of Dash 8. However, statistics alone can be misleading!
Links:
- In the drink: youtu.be/cp6-VFjt4go
- Standard Operating Procedures: youtu.be/ApA_VuXdfbc
- American Eagle Flight 4184: youtu.be/HD8q9xz2aLA
- Icing disaster: youtu.be/jeDW86By6Hc
- Empire Flight 8284: youtu.be/fRrrZEqaK7c
- Yeti Flight 691: youtu.be/u989uFh8H_8
- UNI Air Flight 9091: youtu.be/oQaCO7kVYkA
- Azul tail strike – and how to avoid it: youtu.be/eHIKPlNqFBI
💡 Final Verdict – Which is Safer?
The truth is, both aircraft are equally safe today. Many of the past issues, like ATR’s de-icing boot design and the Dash 8 Q400’s landing gear problems, have been resolved decades ago. The real challenge? Human factors. Most accidents result from a chain of pilot errors, mismanagement, or inadequate training rather than aircraft design flaws.
✈️ What’s Next for Aviation Safety?
To further improve safety, we need to focus on better pilot training and reducing human errors in high-stress situations. What do you think? How can we enhance pilot training and working conditions to prevent accidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this video and want to see more aviation safety analyses, pilot insights, and flying tips, make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell!
Hello aviators, how are you today? My name is Magnar Nordal. I am an ATR captain and instructor. In this video, I take an in-depth look at the safety records of two of the most iconic regional turboprop aircraft: the ATR and Dash 8. Both aircraft have served airlines for over four decades, proving their reliability, efficiency, and versatility. But when it comes to safety, which one is better?
As an ATR captain and instructor with over 25 years of experience, I aim to provide a factual and objective comparison. I’ve analyzed every hull loss incident recorded in the Aviation Safety Network (ASN), a database managed by the Flight Safety Foundation. By breaking down the numbers and examining the causes behind each accident, we can gain a clearer picture of each aircraft’s safety performance.
Accident Data Overview:
• ATR: 80 hull losses.
• Dash 8: 39 hull losses.
ATRs outnumber Dash 8s by about 30%, but their total losses are double that of Dash 8. However, statistics alone can be misleading!
Links:
- In the drink: youtu.be/cp6-VFjt4go
- Standard Operating Procedures: youtu.be/ApA_VuXdfbc
- American Eagle Flight 4184: youtu.be/HD8q9xz2aLA
- Icing disaster: youtu.be/jeDW86By6Hc
- Empire Flight 8284: youtu.be/fRrrZEqaK7c
- Yeti Flight 691: youtu.be/u989uFh8H_8
- UNI Air Flight 9091: youtu.be/oQaCO7kVYkA
- Azul tail strike – and how to avoid it: youtu.be/eHIKPlNqFBI
💡 Final Verdict – Which is Safer?
The truth is, both aircraft are equally safe today. Many of the past issues, like ATR’s de-icing boot design and the Dash 8 Q400’s landing gear problems, have been resolved decades ago. The real challenge? Human factors. Most accidents result from a chain of pilot errors, mismanagement, or inadequate training rather than aircraft design flaws.
✈️ What’s Next for Aviation Safety?
To further improve safety, we need to focus on better pilot training and reducing human errors in high-stress situations. What do you think? How can we enhance pilot training and working conditions to prevent accidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this video and want to see more aviation safety analyses, pilot insights, and flying tips, make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell!







