Cessna 180K Aircraft 1980s
1980s piston singles are pre-FADEC, pre-glass-cockpit airframes — Cessna 172/182, Piper PA-28 series, Bonanza V35/F33, Mooney M20J 201 from this period. Most have undergone at least one engine overhaul and avionics refresh (ADS-B Out retrofit, GPS upgrade). Pre-buy focus: airframe corrosion, AD compliance (especially recent wing-spar ADs on 210/PA-28), Lycoming or Continental engine condition, panel revision currency.
The Cessna 180K is the final Skywagon (1980-1986) — the last and most refined 230-hp Continental O-470 taildragger before Cessna ended the 180 line. It carries the model's legendary backcountry, float and ski reputation with late-production updates, cruising around 140 kt with a strong useful load. As the newest 180 airframes, K models command a premium; otherwise the decision among 180s is condition, total time and float or ski equipment.
3 used Cessna 180K aircraft for sale 1980s · 4-seat · Reference price ~$250,000 ($150,000–$450,000) · updated yesterday
Cessna 180K Specifications
Model specThe Cessna 180K is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 140–142 kt (259–263 km/h), a range of 700 nm (1,296 km), and a useful load of 1,400 lbs (635 kg).
Cessna 180K for Sale
Cessna 180K asking prices range from $179,500 to $250,000, with a median of $249,000 (market reference $250,000).
Cessna 180K Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 1953–1981 | 4 | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | $115K – $314K | The 180 Skywagon is the definitive Cessna taildragger utility single — choose a later letter-series (180J/K) for the most refined airframe, or an earlier model for a lower entry price. If you need more power and useful load for heavier bush and float work, step up to the Cessna 185 Skywagon →. | 38 |
| 180F | 1971–1986 | 4 | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | — | A classic Skywagon taildragger — a rugged bush and float utility single that holds its value strongly. | 1 |
Compare Cessna 180K
Detailed comparisons for the Cessna 180K are being prepared.
Browse all Cessna models →Cessna 180K Price & Cost
How much does a Cessna 180K cost? Used 180K prices: $179K – $250K, average $226K (median $249K); market reference $250K, across 3 priced of 3 active listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
The 180K's Continental O-470 is economical for its capability at around 12-14 gph, with a large service network and moderate overhaul cost. Tailwheel and gearbox condition, corrosion (especially on float aircraft), and propeller history are the main cost centers. As the newest 180, K-models command the highest prices in the line, but a clean, low-corrosion example is the cheaper aircraft to own over time.
Buying a Used Cessna 180K
Buying a Cessna 180K comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:
What to check before buying
Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 180K
What is the Cessna 180K?
How much does a Cessna 180K cost?
What engine does the Cessna 180K use?
Can the Cessna 180K fly on floats?
How many seats does a Cessna 180K have?
What is the difference between the Cessna 180 and 185?
Is the Cessna 180K still in production?
Cessna 180K Inventory by Country
| United States | 5 |
Cessna 180K Inventory by State
| Idaho | 6 |
| California | 4 |
| Arizona | 3 |
| Florida | 2 |
| Minnesota | 2 |
Cessna 180K by Price
| Under $100k | 1 |
| Under $200k | 25 |
| Under $300k | 43 |
| Under $500k | 46 |
Recently Sold Cessna 180K
| 1977 180K | $286,049 |
Other Cessna Aircraft
| Cessna Citation III / VII | 26 |
| Cessna Citation II | 21 |
| Cessna Citation I | 12 |
| Cessna Caravan | 8 |
Cessna 180K Safety Record
Across all 180K variants, 90 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
90
Total Events
67
Incidents
5
Serious
7
Fatal
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 08, 2025 | Lakeview, AR | Incident | The pilot’s decision to continue an approach that resulted in a long landing and inability to stop prior to the end of t… |
| May 20, 2024 | Midland, TX | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight inst… |
| Sep 21, 2023 | Monument Valley, UT | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control after encountering a wind gust on the landing roll, which resulted i… |
| Jan 12, 2023 | Agua Caliente Springs, CA | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during an aborted approach, which resulted in a collision with terrain. |
| Apr 29, 2022 | Portland, OR | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing on a wet surface with a tailwind, which resulted in a… |
NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna 180K variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.