The De Havilland DHC-6 is a twin-engine, short take-off and landing (STOL), utility aircraft manufactured by De Havilland Canada. The aircraft was designed as an affordable, rugged and reliable workhorse for short-haul operations. It was initially developed in the late 1960s and entered service in 1970.

The aircraft was developed in response to a growing demand for a reliable, affordable, and versatile utility aircraft. De Havilland's design team set out to create a simple and cost-effective airframe with a robust and reliable engine, ample cargo capacity and low operational costs. The resulting design featured a simple, unpressurized cabin, twin turboprop engines, and a high-lift wing.

The DHC-6 has since become one of the most popular utility aircraft in the world. It is widely used for both passenger and cargo transportation, as well as for medical evacuations and aerial survey work. It has been used for many different purposes in many different countries. The DHC-6 is also popular with aviation enthusiasts due to its simplicity, affordability, and short-haul capabilities.

Over the years, the DHC-6 has been subject to a number of safety issues. The most notable of these is the issue of unexpected in-flight engine shutdowns, which has caused a number of accidents. The issue has been largely addressed with improved maintenance procedures and engine health monitoring systems.

The DHC-6 also offers a number of innovations. The aircraft was one of the first to feature a high-lift wing design, which allowed for higher take-off and landing speeds. The aircraft also features a number of advanced technologies, such as an advanced autopilot and digital engine control system.

The De Havilland DHC-6 is a reliable and versatile aircraft that offers a number of advantages over other aircraft. It is relatively affordable, has a high-lift wing design for short take-off and landing distances, and features advanced technologies for improved reliability and performance. The aircraft has also been subject to a number of safety issues over the years, but with improved maintenance and monitoring systems these issues have largely been addressed.