What is considered to be the safest civilian aircraft overall?

Question

I'm asking about aircraft that people can actually afford to purchase. I've always wanted to be a pilot and own my own aircraft.

I suspect that this comes down to mostly engine reliability.

Am I wrong?

Cessna 172, maybe?

Answer 1

powered parachute, autogiro   both do not stall when the nut behind the wheel gets loose.

Answer 2

Try a DHC-2 Bever

Answer 3

Most aeroplanes are very mechanically safe since they are maintained to a fixed schedule. If you have a look at the accident stats for light aircraft you will see that most of the prangs are caused by the pilot mishandling the controls.  The answer is easy and opens up a whole world for you; Become a safe pilot!

Answer 4

Safety comes down to mostly pilot proficiency, rest, and recency of experience.

Answer 5

D.H. Tiger Moth or the Auster Eaglet. These were safe and never let you down. You could dead stick them and land in very small clear spaces. If you can find any of these with assured parts and consummables supplies, you cannot go wrong. Plus the prices should be very cheap if you hunt around in the third world/under-developed countries. Have flown both types and can vouch for what I have said above.

Answer 6

The DHC-2 Beaver (whether in piston or turbo-prop form has an outstandng safety record.

Unfortunately, these aircraft are getting old, and there is no really good replacement that is also good when equipped with floats of skis.