Cessna A185E Aircraft 1970s
Pre-1980 piston singles are heritage airframes that have typically been rebuilt and refurbished multiple times — original avionics replaced with modern Garmin or Avidyne panels, engines on at least one mid-time overhaul cycle, interiors refreshed once or twice. Pre-buy focus: airframe corrosion (especially wing carry-through, tail, gear), AD compliance history, log-book continuity, engine cylinder borescope. Heritage value can be meaningful for original aircraft in restored condition.
1 used Cessna A185E aircraft for sale 1970s · 6-seat · from $265K · updated 23 hours ago
About the Cessna A185E
The Cessna A185E Skywagon is a six-seat, single-engine tailwheel aircraft, the heavy-duty utility variant of the Cessna 185 series. Powered by a Continental IO-520 engine producing 300 horsepower, the A185E burns approximately 14 gallons per hour and is renowned as one of the finest bush aircraft ever built.
Variable hourly costs average around $160, with annual fixed costs near $22,000. The tailwheel configuration, high-wing design, and powerful engine give the A185E outstanding short-field performance and the ability to carry substantial loads into remote airstrips.
The Cessna A185E appeals to serious bush pilots, backcountry flying enthusiasts, and commercial operators in Alaska and northern Canada. On floats, wheels, or skis, the 185 series is arguably the most capable certified single-engine utility aircraft available. Strong demand keeps values high, and the dedicated owner community provides excellent support.
Cessna A185E Specifications
Model specThe Cessna A185E is a 6-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 145 kt (269 km/h), a range of 720 nm (1,333 km), and a useful load of 1,440 lbs (653 kg).
1 Cessna A185E For Sale
There are currently 1 used Cessna A185E for sale, ranging from $265,000 to $265,000, with a median asking price of $265,000.
Compare Cessna A185E
See how the Cessna A185E stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Cessna A185E Price & Cost
How much does a Cessna A185E cost? Used A185E prices: from $265K, across 1 priced of 1 active listings.
Based on 2 priced 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.
Buying a Used Cessna A185E
Every Cessna A185E faces a mandatory 1,700-hour overhaul, so the single biggest factor in used price is how much time remains before that overhaul is due — a fresh-overhaul airframe can be worth a large share of the $35,000 overhaul cost more than one approaching its limit.
What to check before buying
- Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 1,700-hour limit; this dominates resale value more than total time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records; missing logs cut value and complicate financing.
- Damage history — any prior accident, hard landing or blade strike; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a glass panel vs steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna A185E
What is the Cessna A185E?
How much does a Cessna A185E cost?
What engine does the Cessna A185E use?
Can the Cessna A185E fly on floats?
How many seats does a Cessna A185E have?
What is the difference between the Cessna 180 and 185?
Is the Cessna A185E still in production?
Cessna A185E Inventory by Country
| United States | 49 |
| Canada | 13 |
| South Africa | 2 |
| Norway | 1 |
| Finland | 1 |
| Switzerland | 1 |
Cessna A185E Inventory by State
| Texas | 5 |
| Alaska | 3 |
| Florida | 2 |
| Idaho | 2 |
| Louisiana | 2 |
| Oklahoma | 2 |
| Oregon | 2 |
| South Carolina | 2 |
| Washington | 2 |
| Arizona | 2 |
Cessna A185E by Price
| Under $200k | 9 |
| Under $300k | 33 |
| Under $500k | 55 |
Recently Sold Cessna A185E
| 1978 185 | $495,000 |
| 1972 185E | $260,479 |
| 1973 185 | $299,000 |
| 1980 A185F | $269,000 |
Cessna A185E Safety Record
Across all A185E variants, 73 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.
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 02, 2025 | Warren, ID | Incident | The pilot’s failure to adequately compensate for a wind gust during the departure roll, which resulted in a loss of dire… |
| Oct 12, 2024 | Seattle, WA | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll with a crosswind. |
| Aug 14, 2024 | Eveleth, MN | Incident | Water contamination of the fuel system which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot’s inad… |
| Jun 13, 2024 | Nampa, ID | Incident | Loss of directional control during the takeoff roll. |
| Oct 22, 2022 | York, PA | Incident | Oil starvation of the number 1 connecting rod bearings, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. |
NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna A185E variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.